Abstract
The effect of calcium chelate ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Ca-EDTA) and D-penicillamine on the content of hexosamine-containing substances in the carrageenin granuloma in rats was tested by means of their daily local injection into pre-formed granuloma pouch during 3 or 4 days. The administration of Ca-EDTA revealed involution of pre-formed granuloma and significantly decreased the content of glycosaminoglycans (especially, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate A) and glycoproteins. However, when Ca-EDTA and D-penicillamine were simultaneously administered or D-penicillamine was given 8 hr after the injection of Ca-EDTA, involution of granulomatous tissue and degradation of both hexosamine-containing substances were completely inhibited. Free N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activity in granuloma also increased by treatment with Ca-EDTA, while free enzyme activity recovered to the control level by simultaneous treatment with Ca-EDTA and D-penicillamine. These results obtained here were discussed in relation to the mode of action of D-penicillamine as an antirheumatic drug.
