Antihistone antibodies in patients with localized scleroderma

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Abstract
Objective. To study the prevalence and antigen specificity of antihistone antibodies (AHA) in localized scleroderma.Methods. Forty‐nine serum samples from patients with localized scleroderma were examined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by immunoblottin.Results. By ELISA, AHA were demonstrated in 47% (23 of 49) of patients with localized scleroderma and in 87% (13 of 15) of patients with generalized morphea. Immunoblotting revealed that the predominant antigens were histones H1 and H3. The presence of AHA correlated with that of anti–single‐stranded DNA antibody.Conclusion. Some of the major antigens for antinuclear antibodies in patients with localized scleroderma are histones.