title: Mechanisms of action of gold.
abstract: Since the successful introduction of injectable gold compounds for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis over 50 years ago, numerous studies on the possible mechanism of action have been performed. This heavy metal has been show to possess a bewildering array of biological effects. Studies using gold performed both in vitro and in vivo can be grouped into anti-microbial, anti-immunologic, anti-inflammatory, anti-enzymatic and other effects. In this survey, we have analyzed these multiple approaches to the study of the mechanism of action of injectable gold preparations and apply the findings to rheumatoid arthritis.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006046:Gold / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000201:enzymology; D051379:Mice; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D006046:Gold; D003094:Collagen