Antiribonucleoprotein antibodies in connective tissue diseases: estimation by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Issue 6061 (5th March 1977)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bresnihan, B; Bunn, C; Snaith, M L; Hughes, G R
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 1:Issue 6061(1977)
• Page Start: 610
• Page End: 611
• Publication Date: 1977-03-05
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.1.6061.610
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : One hundred and seventy-two patients with various connective tissue diseases were investigated for the presence of serum antibodies to extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) and its major components, ribonucleo-protein (RNP) and Sm antigen. The counter-immunoelectrophoresis assay allowed independent detection and measurement of antibodies to the different components. All 13 patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) had anti-RNP antibody in high titres, 16% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had low titres, and none of the patients with scleroderma had anti-RNP antibody. MCTD seems to be more benign than either SLE or scleroderma. The counterimmunoelectrophoresis assay is a simple and sensitive technique for confirming the diagnosis.