Suppression of metabolic accompaniments of phagocytosis by colchicine

The effect of colchicine on in vitro metabolism of human leukocytes exposed to sodium urate microcrystals was studied. When these cells were preincubated with colchicine at a concentration as low as 2 × 10−6M, suppression of phagocytosis occurred as indicated by: diminution of C14O2 evolution from glucose‐1‐C14, from sodium urate‐6‐C14, and by direct examination of engulfed crystals. The beneficial effect of colchicine on gouty inflammation may result from a suppressive effect on leukocyte function, reducing their ability to perform phagocytosis.