Fluorescent Anti-Colon and Organ-Specific Antibodies in Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Marcussen, H. & Nerup, J. 1973. Fluorescent Anti-Colon and Organ-Specific Antibodies in Ulcerative Colitis. Scand. J. Gastroent. 8, 9-15.

145 patients with ulcerative colitis were examined for occurrence of circulating antibodies against parts of colon epithelium by means of the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Antibodies were found to be present in 20 per cent - a difference significant from a control group of 91 normal persons, 23 patients with Crohn’s disease, and 30 with different intestinal symptoms. The occurrence of organ-related antibodies directed against thyroid, adrenal, and parietal cells, and of ANF, was equal in ulcerative colitis and normal subjects. The examination was performed with colon from guenon as antigen. A cross-reaction with colon from rat was present, indicating the organ-specific and species-non-specific nature of the antigen.

Key-words::

• Antibodies, organ-related
• colitis, ulcerative
• colon
• immunofluorescence technique