Gamma globulin complexes in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Partial characterization and relationship to lowered complement levels.

  • 1 May 1970
    • journal article
    • Vol. 6  (5) , 689-706
Abstract
Gamma globulin complexes were demonstrable in certain joint fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis by analytic and density gradient centrifugation. They form a continuum of high molecular weight components ranging from 7S to 30S and were dissociable primarily to 7S γG globulin. The larger complexes were also detectable by precipitation reactions with C1q and with γM rheumatoid factor. This permitted the isolation and partial characterization of the complexes. Non-immunoglobulin constituents were not detectable. Evidence was obtained that 7S γG globulin rheumatoid factors represented an important constituent of the complexes.