title: Ultrastructural changes produced in rheumatoid synovial membrane by chrysotherapy.
abstract: Biopsies of rheumatoid synovial membrane before and after chrysotherapy were examined with the light and electron microscopes, and subjected to electronprobe x-ray analysis. The main change noted was the occurrence of electron-dense deposits of characteristic morphology within pre-existing lysosomes. Such deposits were also seen in other varieties of lysosomal bodies. X-ray analysis showed the presence of gold, phosphorus, osmium, and calcium in these deposits. The present study shows that gold enters the pre-existing lysosomes, supporting the concept that the beneficial effects of chrysotherapy are due to its action on the lysosome.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006046:Gold / Q000032:analysis; D006052:Gold Sodium Thiomalate / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D006052:Gold Sodium Thiomalate; D006046:Gold