Changes in the proteins coating monosodium urate crystals during active and subsiding inflammation. immunogold studies of synovial fluid from patients with gout and of fluid obtained using the rat subcutaneous air pouch model

This study provides the first in vivo evidence supporting the notion derived from previous in vitro studies that proteins coating MSU crystals change as inflammation evolves. Protein coatings may play an important role in the self-limited nature of gouty inflammation. IgG coating MSU crystals may enhance the inflammation. As the inflammation subsides, Apo B could displace the IgG by competitively coating sites on crystals and could contribute in part to the resolution of the acute gouty arthritis.