Inhibition of lymphocyte activation by gold sodium thiomalate.

Activation of lymphoid cells by both T and B cell mitogens was inhibited by gold sodium thiomalate (GST). The action of GST did not appear to be exerted at early stages of lymphocyte activation. Inhibition by GST was sustained throughout 4 days of culture. The inhibitory effect of GST was reduced at low serum concentrations. Sodium thiomalate and sodium chloroaurate were also able to inhibit lymphocyte activation.