[Detection of autoimmune lipoprotein--antibody complex in human plasma and aortic wall]

An immune complex of lipoprotein-antibody was found in human blood plasma and in tissue liquid of aorta, impaired by atherosclerosis. In the majority of cases the antigen component of the immune complex was lipoprotein of very low density. After dissociation of the complex at acid pH, immunoglobulin G was isolated, which was identified by double immunodiffusion in agar gel; the immunoglobulin reacted in RBS both with autological and, in some cases, with isological lipoproteins.