Gold inhibition of the production of the second complement component by lymphokine-stimulated human monocytes.

The ability of gold sodium thiomalate to inhibit production of the second complement component (C2) by monocytes stimulated by a lymphokine (monocyte complement stimulator is demonstrated. This gold salt inhibits C2 production irreversibly if monocytes are incubated with it before or during lymphokine stimulation. Thiomalic acid is not inhibitory. Monocytes already stimulated by lymphokine are resistant to inhibition of C2 production by gold sodium thiomalate. Gold salts do not reduce monocyte viability, phagocytic ability (latex heads) accessory cell function (as measured by the ability to present antigen to autologous lymphocytes), or capacity to act as stimulating cells in mixed leukocyte culture. Gold sodium thiomalate's inhibition of monocyte responsiveness to lymphokine may be significant in explaining the therapeutic benefit of gold salts in rheumatoid arthritis.