The use of fluorometric assays to assess the immune response to DNA in murine systemic lupus erythematosus.
Published
Journal Article
Antibodies to DNA (anti-DNA) play an important role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In blood, these antibodies may exist in a free, unbound state or as part of complexes with DNA. Furthermore, circulating DNA may be either complexed or free. Because of the central role of these immunoreactants (anti-DNA and DNA) in the disease, monitoring of their levels could provide valuable information for both clinical and investigative purposes. In these studies, we have explored the use of a DNA-binding dye, PicoGreen, for the detection of circulating DNA, either total or immune complex bound. In addition, we have used this dye for Farr-type antibody assays. Using autoimmune MRL/lpr mice as a model, we have shown that, while the levels of free DNA in the plasma of these mice were comparable with those of normal BALB/c mice, the amounts in complexes precipitable by ammonium sulfate were significantly greater. Furthermore, we showed that Farr assays using PicoGreen reliably detect levels of free anti-DNA, with values correlated with anti-DNA levels by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Together, our results suggest that a fluorometric dye can accurately monitor DNA and anti-DNA antibody levels in SLE and may provide important information on immunopathogenesis.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Björkman, L; Reich, CF; Pisetsky, DS
Published Date
- June 2003
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 57 / 6
Start / End Page
- 525 - 533
PubMed ID
- 12791090
Pubmed Central ID
- 12791090
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0300-9475
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1046/j.1365-3083.2003.01261.x
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- England