[Antibodies against soluble nuclear antigens in rheumatic diseases]

The basic contemporary methods for determination of serum antibodies against DNA are compared. The immunoenzyme methods are recommended because of their accessibility. The high frequency of antibodies against DNA in lupous patients is pointed out. The antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens (Sm and RNP) in rheumatic patients are also determined. The results are compared with these of a control group of healthy persons and patients with non-rheumatic diseases. The antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens are found most frequently in lupous patients.