Dose-dependent induction of anti-native DNA antibodies in cats by propylthiouracil

Cats receiving propylthiouracil (PTU) develop antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and an immune-mediated disease syndrome characterized by anorexia, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, and Coombs-positive hemolytic anemia. Investigation of the ANA specificity indicated that the predominant ANA activity consistent of anti-native DNA (nDNA) antibodies. The formation of anti-nDNA antibodies and immune-mediated disease syndrome appeared to be dose-dependent, even in cats in which a response had been induced on 4 prior occasions. These results supply further evidence that PTU-induced autoimmunity is not the result of a simple drug allergy. Rather, it appears that PTU induces a lupus-like syndrome, including the hallmark sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-nDNA antibodies.