Defective Reticuloendothelial System Fc-Receptor Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Abstract
To determine whether reticuloendothelial-system immunospecific Fc-receptor function is abnormal in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, we studied the clearance of IgG-sensitized, 51Cr-labeled erythrocytes by these splenic macrophage membrane receptors in 15 untreated patients. Fc-specific clearance rates were strikingly abnormal in 13 of 15 patients (half-times ranging from 80 to 2256 minutes, P50 and factor B with abnormal clearance and disease activity were weaker or nonexistent. The significant correlations among clearance, disease activity and C1q-binding activity suggest that the defect in Fc-receptor function may lead to the prolonged circulation of immune complexes, thereby contributing to tissue deposition and damage. (N Engl J Med 300:518–523, 1979)