Effect of in vitro ultraviolet radiation on the binding capacity of anti-DNA and DNA in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The in vitro effects of various doses of ultra violet A (UVA) or UVB irradiation on DNA or anti-DNA as measured by their subsequent binding to anti-DNA or DNA were examined. Sera from 12 patients with active lupus were studied. UVA irradiation at 20-240 J/m2 or UVB irradiation at 2-24 J/m2 did not affect DNA or anti-DNA binding to anti-DNA or DNA, respectively. Modulation of the UV effect on DNA and anti-DNA by adding methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine and indomethacin at 10(-6) M did not alter the UV effect. UV light does not exert its effect directly on the binding of anti-DNA to DNA.