The further characterization of autoantibodies reactive with extra-adrenal steroid-producing cells in patients with adrenal disorders.

Antibodies reactive with the steroid-producing cells in the gonads are described in the sera of ten patients, the majority of whom were known to have idiopathic adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) associated with premature ovarian failure. The immunofluorescent staining pattern of these antibodies with steroid-producing cells in the ovary, testis, placenta and adrenal cortex are illustrated. The staining patterns and the results of absorption studies indicate that there are a multiplicity of antibodies reacting with different antigens in the ovary and to a lesser extent in the testis. Most of these antigens are also represented in the adrenal cortex, but are not evenly distributed throughout the cortex. Some of these antigens are not represented in the zona glomerulosa while others are not represented in the zona reticularis.