The "switch-off" mechanism of spontaneous resolution of acute gout attack.

Urate crystal size change and the modification of coated proteins by oxygen radicals released by stimulated polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) could represent a likely "switch-off" mechanism of the spontaneous resolution of acute gout attack. The absorption spectra and the uric acid, allantoin and urea concentrations were determined before and after in vitro exposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals to superoxide anion (O2) photochemically generated. The results showed a complete dissolution of MSU crystals after incubation under O2-, with decrease of uric acid and increase of allantoin and urea concentrations.