Studies on the effect of D-penicillamine on type II collagen-induced polyarthritis.

The effect of D-penicillamine on a preestablished lesion of type II collagen-induced polyarthritis is reviewed. D-penicillamine treatment (100 and 200 mg/kg/d)for 21 d had no significant effect on rat hind paw inflammation associated with this polyarthritis. At the lower dose, the drug caused an increase in circulating antibody titers to type II collagen. X-ray examination of the hind paws of D-penicillamine-treated animals showed a significant improvement in the joint lesions induced by type II collagen.