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-labeld 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, P <0.001 as compared to controls). Abnormal clearances correlated with immune-complex levels (as measured by the C1q-binding assay) and with disease activity. C1q-binding activity and anti-DNA titers also correlated with disease activity. The correlations of C3, C4, CH 50 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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 518-523 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | New England Journal of Medicine |
Volume | 300 |
Issue number | 10 |
State | Published - 1979 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine