Immunological studies in human ageing. II. Associated increase in anti-RNA and anti-DNA antibodies.

Antibodies against nucleic acids have been studied by counter-immunoelectrophoresis in 95 aged subjects. Increased levels of anti-DNA and/or anti-RNA antibodies were found in 74% of the cases, and immune complexes were detected in 21% of the cases. The increase of anti-DNA antibodies was correlated with that of rheumatoid factor and increased serum IgG levels, whereas the increase of anti-RNA antibodies was associated with decreased serum IgM level and decreased lymphocyte response to PHA.