The Nature of the Alpha-Methyldopa Red-Cell Antibody

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Abstract
ACQUIRED hemolytic anemia is commonly associated with a positive Coombs test; when of the "gamma type," this test indicates the presence of an immunoglobulin attached to the affected red cells. The association of hemolysis with a positive Coombs test implies that the hemolytic process is mediated by antibodies, and, for lack of a clear explanation of the pathogenesis, the process has been regarded by many as "autoimmune." Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for the inferred loss of tolerance toward the "self" antigens of red cells, but none can be regarded as established.In some patients with immunohemolytic anemia . . .