The immunoglobulin class of anti-DNA antibodies: detection by a fluorometric immunoassay: clinical and pathological correlations in SLE.

The relationship of the immunoglobulin class of anti-double stranded DNA antibodies to the histological and clinical evidence of glomerulonephritis was examined in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using a quantitative solid-phase fluorometric immunoassay. Patients with anti-DNA antibodies of the IgG class had more severe histologic changes on renal biopsy, more clinical evidence of active renal disease and lower hemolytic complement levels. The class of anti-DNA antibodies in the serum did not always correspond with the class of immunoglobulin deposited in the glomeruli of renal biopsy specimens.