Effect of Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on Synovial Membrane Permeability.

Abstract

Permeability studies were conducted in rabbits and rheumatoid arthritic patients by injn. of phenolsulfonphthalein into the joint and measurement of the dye in the urine. Cortisone and ACTH were given to rabbits and patients to determine any effect upon synovial membrane permeability and to detect any anti-hyaluronidase effect in rabbits. Results failed to show either alterations in permeability or anti-hyaluronidase effect. Intra-articular cortisone delayed absorption of dye but mechanical blocking may have been a factor. This method is not necessarily a valid measure of synovial permeability to physiologic substances.