Antibodies to Native DNA in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

The nitrocellulose membrane technique for detecting DNA-protein complexes was used to demonstrate antibodies to native DNA in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Such antibodies were found in 19 of 21 patients with active SLE, in ten of 12 patients with inactive SLE, and in three of 217 controls. This rapidly performed assay is easily quantified and can be useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with SLE.