Monocytes and granulocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA): phagocytic activity and superoxide anion production.

It is suggested by many tests that phagocytic cells were implied in inflammation which occurred during rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Further, three subject populations were selected for this study: Rheumatoid arthritis patients diagnosed according to American Rheumatism Association criteria (ARA mean = 6) and treated with gold compounds. Control subjects treated with the same non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac (75 mg per day). Normal subjects without disease or treatment. Blood granulocytes and monocytes were separately tested for ingestion of three different particle species (opsonized zymosan, immunoglobulin G sheep red cells, glutaraldehyde-treated sheep red cells) and stimulation of superoxide anion production by these particles. All phagocytic cells in RA patients have normal phagocytic response and superoxide anion production. Autologous serum does not inhibit the activity of these cells. In addition the NSAID (diclofenac) does not act upon phagocytosis and oxidative burst of control cells.