Induction of DNA-antibodies by d-penicillamine

As no critical evaluation of native-DNA antibodies due to d-penicillamine (dP) has been made, we have examined this using highly purified DNA fractions obtained by benzoylated-naphthoylated-DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The nDNA, dsDNA, and ds/ss DNA binding was determined in 10 normals, 24 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients never on dP, 17 RA patients on dP and in serial sera from 15 of the latter before, during, and after cessation of dP. The results indicate that dP does induce both dsDNA and ssDNA antibodies which persist for many months after its cessation.