[Autoantibodies in vitiligo. Clinical significance]

The occurrence of circulating autoantibodies was determined by indirect immunofluorescence in patients with vitiligo. In addition we determined the existence of anti-melanocytic antibodies by an immunofluorescence complement fixation technique, immunoglobulins in achromic and perilesional skin, complement (C3 and C4) and immunoglobulins in serum by immunoelectrophoresis. The results only indicate that a significant occurrence of circulating autoantibodies exists, especially antithyroid autoantibodies, which, moreover, are related to the vitiligos which affect important areas of the cutaneous surface (generalized vitiligo).