Hypothesis for the Pathogenesis of Sodium Aurothiomalate (Myocrisin®) Induced Immune Complex Nephritis

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Abstract
Renal complications associated with gold salt treatment in rheumatoid arthritis occur in fewer than 5 % of treated patients. Recent investigations have shown that the renal lesion manifested clinically as membranous glomerulonephritis is caused by immune complexes. This paper presents a hypothesis for the mechanism by which gold causes this lesion: autoimmunization due to released tubular antigen(s). This hypothetical mechanism is strikingly similar to that responsible for autologous autoimmune nephrosis in the rat (Heymann's nephritis).