[Detection of anti double-stranded DNA antibodies by RECOMBIGEN anti DNA kit]

Anti double-stranded DNA antibodies were detected in patients with various connective tissue diseases by using RECOMBIGEN Anti DNA kit (Japan DPC Co), newly developed utilizing highly purified double-stranded DNA obtained from E. coli plasmid by recombinant technique. High levels of anti double-stranded DNA antibodies were mostly found and distributed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and the allied disorders. Because of antibody excess, the final antibody titers could not be determined in most sera which had antibodies titers of more than 100 units per ml. In such sera the expression of antibody titer by DNA binding activities was found to be clinically more useful. RECOMBIGEN Anti DNA kit, thus, is a highly sensitive and reproducible method to detect anti double-stranded DNA antibodies.