Abstract
Four patients, two males and two females, ages 12–16 years, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were found to have active renal disease. All had reduced serum complement (C′) and high levels of antibodies to DNA, as measured by the radioactive DNA ammonium-sulfate precipitation method. With improvement in clinical condition and renal funcion, all four patients showed a significant rise in serum C′ levels and reduction in antibodies to DNA. In three cases these changes occured with the institution of therapy was tapered. A renal biopsy from the most-recently-studied patient who had not received prior corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy was examined by electron microscopy. Myxovirus-like structures, similar to those described recently in SLE, were observed in capillary endothelial cells. These studies corroboratc evidence for the possible role of immune complexes involving nucleic acids in the pathogenesis of SLE nephritis, and support the possibility for the presence of a viral agent in untreated disease.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pincus, T., Bellanti, J. Anti-DNA Antibodies and Virus-like Structures in the Renal Disease of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Pediatr Res 4, 435 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197009000-00008
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197009000-00008
