GOLD SALTS INHIBIT SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE IN-VITRO

Gold salts are widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis bu t have considerable side effects including organ damage affecting kidn eys, skin and bone marrow. To determine if this gold induced damage is mediated by reactive oxygen species, as is the case with several trac e elements, the effect of gold chloride on superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined in vitro. The system contained SOD, 6 hydroxyd opamine and hepes buffer. Gold ion in final concentrations of 6.7 mug/ ml and 13.3 mug/ml inhibited SOD activity significantly after prior in cubation with SOD. In the absence of SOD, gold chloride did not alter spontaneous oxidation of 6 hydroxydopamine. Conclusion: In vitro activ ity of SOD is inhibited by prior incubation with gold chloride.