[Mechanism of action of gold in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

Gold is one of the oldest and most effective drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Gold unfolds its therapeutic efficacy through various influences on the immune system. Gold alters antigen-processing and reduces cytokine expression of macrophages. Additionally, gold reduces adhesion molecules, antibody production and inhibits proteolytic enzymes. However, macrophages also oxidize gold(I) to gold(III) which is - by its increased protein reactivity - responsible for a large part of the gold side-effects.