A human immunoglobulin in myeloma protein with anti-gastric parietal cell autoantigen activity.

A previously characterised IgA Kappa myeloma protein was isolated and purified. The (Fab) alpha fragments of this immunoglobulin were obtained. The IgA and Fab fragments reacted in vitro with gastric parietal cells (GPC) using animal gastric sections and with smooth cytoplasmic membranes obtained from rabbit fundus (gastric) mucosa. This was seen macroscopically and by light and electron microscopy. Evidence is thus provided which supports the concept that this homogeneous immunoglobulin is a typical monoclonal autoantibody.