Pathogenesis of lupus dermatoses in autoimmune mice. IV. Association between cutaneous immunoglobulin deposition and anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies in sera.

The skin of New Zealand, MRL and BXSB mice was immunohistopathologically examined in order to study the appearance of skin immunoglobulin (Ig) deposition and its correlation with the occurrence of anti-single-stranded (ss) DNA antibodies in sera. Our studies revealed Ig deposition at the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) in non-lesional skin and a significant age-related correlation between skin Ig deposition and serum anti-ssDNA antibodies. However, immunofluorescent study of autoimmune mice using anti-ultraviolet-irradiated DNA antiserum failed to demonstrate DNA antigens at the DEJ.