Studies on the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease. An immunological relationship between the polysaccharide of group A streptococcus and the glycoprotein of heart valve.

The immunization of rabbits with bovine heart valve homogenates induced the formation of antibody which reacted with CTC soluble extracts and also proteolytic enzyme treated fractions. Analysis by fractionation of materials revealed 2 peaks and both peaks contain monosaccharides. The first peak was more antigenic to anti-valvular sera. The cross-reactivity between the valvular glycoprotein and group A streptococcal polysaccharides was confirmed by the immunological inhibition tests. Widespread deposits of gamma globin were observed in valve of patients with recurrent rheumatic valvulitis who has valve replacement. This work was performed under scientific-grants-in-aid from the Ministry of Education. Portions of this study were presented at the 38th annual meeting of the Japanese Circulation Society, Yamaguchi, April, 1974.