Effects of D-penicillamine on circulating protein complexes in rheumatoid arthritis and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Not immunosuppressive in conventional test systems, D-penicillamine causes minor reductions in Ig levels and occasionally induces IgA deficiency. Rather limited evidence indicates actual decline in immune complexes; more data show reductions in levels of 9S IgG and alpha1-antitrypsin-IgA complexes. On the other hand, a number of instances of toxic reactions are most readily explained on the basis of autoimmunization. Changes in redox equilibrium, haptenization, and influence on T cell function are possible mechanisms.
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008105:Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary / Q000276:immunology*; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000032:analysis; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000276:immunology
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor; D010396:Penicillamine