Huskisson E C, Scott J, Balme H W, Dieppe P A, Trapnell J, Willoughby D A
Lancet. 1976 Feb 21;1(7956):393-5. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)90218-x.
In a controlled study involving thirty-four patients levamisole was shown to be as effective as D-penicillamine and more effective than placebo in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Its action was slow and was accompanied by a reduction in erythrocyte sedimentation-rate, rheumatoid factor, and technetium index. These properties indicate that it has a specific action like that of D-penicillamine. Stimulation of cell-mediated immunity was evident in patients treated with levamisole, and there was a correlation between such changes and pain relief. Animal models confirmed the absence of anti-inflammatory effect and provided some evidence of enhancement of cell-mediated immunity and macrophage stimulation.
