Measurement of HLA class I expression in ankylosing spondylitis. Issue 10 (October 1992)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Creamer, P; Edmonds, J; Sullivan, J; Matthews, S
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 51:Issue 10(1992)
• Page Start: 1138
• Page End: 1142
• Publication Date: 1992-10
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.51.10.1138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : The importance of HLA-B27 in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis is uncertain: current evidence favours a role for the B27 molecule itself. The possibility that quantitative differences in HLA-B27 expression may exist between patients with ankylosing spondylitis, family members, and control subjects positive for B27 was examined using appropriate monoclonal antibodies, flow cytometry, and a 'model lymphocyte' coated with a known number of mouse immunoglobulin binding sites. No differences were found between the groups. HLA-A2, examined for comparison, was expressed in greater amounts than HLA-B27, but each contributed only 10-20% of the total class I antigens. Homozygotes expressed twice the amount of antigen expressed by heterozygotes. Synovial lymphocytes expressed more class I antigens than peripheral lymphocytes.