COLD-REACTING ANTI-NUCLEAR FACTOR IN SERA FROM PATIENTS WITH IGA NEPHROPATHY

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 94  (1) , 76-87
Abstract
ANF [antinuclear factor] was determined in sera from patients with Ig[immunoglobulin]A nephropathy to evaluate the autoimmune nature of this disorder. Sera from 33 patients with IgA nephropathy were assayed for ANF by the FANA [fluorescent antinuclear antibody] technique at 37.degree. and 4.degree. C and by a hemagglutination technique. Sera from 5 patients with lupus nephritis and 6 patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy were examined. Thirty healthy adults served as controls. Cold-reacting ANF, which was detected predominantly in the class of IgM, was observed in 81.8% of patients with IgA nephropathy. The nuclear staining pattern was speckled. Sera from healthy adults did not show any positive signs of ANF, whereas those from patients with lupus nephritis demonstrated shaggy pattern of ANF. Some autoimmune mechanisms may be involved in the development of IgA nephropathy.