Reduction of immune complexes and immunoglobulins induced by D-penicillamine in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Penicillamine has an effect on immune complexes and immunoglobulins both in vivo and in vitro. We therefore studied the effect of penicillamine on immune complexes and immunoglobulins in primary biliary cirrhosis. Twenty-eight patients were randomly allocated into a treatment group receiving 600 to 900 mg of penicillamine, or a control group, and followed for a maximum of 24 months. After 12 and 24 months, serum immune complexes had fallen significantly in treated patients as compared to controls (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.01). Treatment reduced IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations, with IgM being significantly different from controls at six, 12 and 24 months (P less than 0.01). Over 24 months, serum aspartate transaminase levels fell in treated patients but rose in controls (P less than 0.01). Bilirubin concentrations increased at a slower rate in treated patients. Penicillamine may favorably influence the course of primary biliary cirrhosis by its immunologic action in addition to its copper-chelating action.