Colchicine is known to suppress many immune functions in the setting of crystal induced ahritis by 1. decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis 2. decreasing neutrophil adhesion 3. decreasing release of multiple inflammatory mediators 4. decreasing phagocytosis of urate crystals by neutrophils. Mechanism: Colchicine binds to tubulin and causing its depolymerization. This disrupts the mobility of granulocytes thereby decreasing its migration to the affected area. It also blocks cell division by binding to mitotic spindles. Uses: Colchicine is used in the treatment of acute gouty attacks as well as chronic gout. It is neither uricosuric nor an analgesic agent but it relieves pain in acute attacks of gout. It does not prevent progression of gout to acute gouty ahritis, but it has a suppressive, prophylactic effect that reduces the frequency of acute attacks and relieves pain. Ref: Applied Pharmacology By Stan K. Bardal, page 298, Pharmacology edited by Michelle A. Clark, page 546.