title: Suggested mode of action of D-penicillamine as an immunosuppressive agent in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The mechanism by which D-Penicillamine is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been investigated. The results indicate that D-Penicillamine in synergism with copper or ceruloplasmin in vitro inhibits the proliferation of T-lymphocytes and the activity of helper T-cells in supporting the generation of antibody-forming cells. This effect is mediated by the production of H2O2. The significance of these findings for in vivo processes is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Harold C. Simmons Arthritis Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Lipsky
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D002570:Ceruloplasmin / Q000494:pharmacology; D003300:Copper / Q000494:pharmacology; D019327:Copper Sulfate; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D003300:Copper; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D002570:Ceruloplasmin; D010396:Penicillamine; D019327:Copper Sulfate