Relationship between Plasma Mucoproteins and Protein Sugar in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Cortisone.

Summary In 41 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who were studied before and during the administration of cortisone, serum muco-protein and the protein-bound carbohydrate concentrations were studied and compared. 1. The correlation coefficient of the 2 tests was found to be moderately high, r = 0.62. 2. It was found that when the total protein sugar concentration was very high, mucoprotein concentration was always above normal values. 3. When the total protein sugar concentration was normal, the serum mucoprotein index was often above normal. 4. From these findings and from the comparative study of the variation of total protein sugar and mucoprotein concentrations during the treatment of 6 patients with cortisone, it is suggested that a common factor regulates the formation of serum mucoproteins and other plasma proteins which are rich in carbohydrate.