ANTIBODIES TO HUMAN LUNG IN PATIENTS WITH OBSTRUCTIVE EMPHYSEMA AND PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

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Abstract
Antibodies reacting with extracts of human lung are present in the serum of many patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and idiopathic obstructive emphysema. The findings suggest that tubercle bacilli may serve as an "endogenous Freund adjuvant" stimulating antibody response to damaged tissue. Antibodies have also been found in the serum of 6 of 7 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is concluded from absorption studies that these antibodies are directed against different components of the lung antigen. Antibodies in serum from patients with tuberculosis and emphysema are absorbed by lung and by some kidney antigens. They are not absorbed by serum or liver antigens. On the other hand, antibody in serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is absorbed by serum and liver, but not by lung or kidney. Antibodies in serum from patients with tuberculosis and emphysema differ in that the antibody is absorbed in emphysema, but not in tuberculosis, by supernatant from tryptic digestion of the lung. Because of its resistance to tryptic digestion and strong reaction with stains used to demonstrate polysaccharides and lipids, it seems likely that the antigen in emphysema contains lipopolysaccharides as a hapten. The antigen may be derived from lung reticulin. It is possible that these antibodies may be of importance in the pathogenesis of pulmonary emphysema.

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