Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and human epidermal enzymes by aurothiomalate in vitro: possible actions of gold in pemphigus

Abstract

Concentrations of gold in skin achieved during systemic chrysotherapy inhibited prostaglandin synthesis in vitro, using a sheep vesicular gland dioxygenase system. Two human epidermal enzymes, acid phosphatase and tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase, were also inhibited by gold in vitro, but at higher concentrations; the latter action was blocked by 2 mercaptoethanol. Antiepithelial antibody titer, and immunoglobulin synthesis as determined by serial herpes simplex complement fixing antibody titer, were unaffected by gold. Furthermore, gold concentrations in skin did not correlate with the clinical activity of pemphigus. These findings suggest some possible mechanisms of gold action in pemphigus, such as interruption of the inflammatory cycle and inhibition of skin enzymes involved in blister formation.