[Collagenolytic enzymes of the skin in chronic polyarthritis - transformations during D-penicillamin therapy].

Collagenolytic enzymes, soluble and nonsoluble collagen were determined in skin specimens of 5 healthy volunteers, and 16 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 7 RA-patients being on D-penicillamine, 9 without basic therapy. The following results were obtained: Collagenolytic enzymes were elevated in patients with RA compared with age matched controls. After administration of D-penicillamine the enzyme activity was found lower than values obtained in controls. Acid soluble collagen and nonsoluble collagen was not found statistically different in the three groups. These findings strongly suggest an inhibitory effect of D-penicillamine on the elevated collagenase activity in RA patients. Similar results in corneal tissue were reported by Francois and coworkers who treated corneal ulcers with D-penicillamine.