Autosensitization to connective tissue elements and endogenous adaptation hormones in mycobacterioses.

The contribution of some adaptation hormones to the process regulating production of autoantibodies to collagen (Abc) and elastin (Abe) was studied in leprosy (37 patients) and tuberculosis (31 patients). In both mycobacterioses the Abc and Abe titers were increased and inversely correlated with endogenous cortisol levels. In leprosy the antibody titers directly correlated with the triiodothyronine (T3) levels which were significantly higher than the values in healthy controls. A new approach to research for remedies and methods of preventing and curing autosensitization to connective tissue is suggested by combining medications according to individual endocrine and immune indices.