Effect of two gold compounds on human polymorphonuclear leukocyte lysosomal function and phagocytosis.

Lysosomal neutral proteases, once released, are considered to play an important role in the rheumatoid inflammatory process. The effect of two gold compounds on human polymorphonuclear lysosomal enzymes was studied during reverse endocytosis. Phagocytosis was assessed using dual-labeled liposomes. Auranofin, a new antirheumatic gold compound, reduces human polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytoses and lysosomal elastase and beta-glucuronidase release at a therapeutically achievable concentration (5 microM). Sodium aurothiomalate was ineffective at this concentration.