Changes in zinc and zinc-dependent enzymes in rheumatoid patients during penicillamine treatment.

Zinc in granulocytes, erythrocytes, serum, urine and zinc-dependent enzymes (alkaline phosphatase in serum and granulocytes, carbonic anhydrase in erythrocytes) were measured in patients with rheumatoid arthritis before and during penicillamine therapy for 6 months. The zinc concentration in serum, urine and erythrocytes increased, while granulocyte zinc decreased. Alkaline phosphatase activity in plasma remained unchanged, while alkaline phosphatase in granulocytes decreased. Carbonic anhydrase activity in erythrocytes decreased. None of the changes could be related to the activity of the disease.