[Physiological significance of specific immunoglobulins in regulating steroidogenesis in adrenal cortex cells]

The data obtained suggest the existence of physiological immunoglobulin mechanisms regulating the functions of the cells including hormone--producing ones. Serologically identical antigens were revealed both in the blood and the extracts from adrenocortical cell nuclei of intact rats. Apart from that, autoantibodies to deoxyribonucleoprotein (DNP) of adrenocortical cells were found in the blood sera of normal animals. Immunoglobulins G (ig G) against adrenocortical cell nuclei, DNP and the nuclei partially devoid of DNP, were produced. The specific IgG were shown to stimulate the steroidogenesis in target cells. The penetration of the specific antibodies into the target cell nuclei in vivo was proved. The data obtained support the hypothesis of the nuclear mechanisms of antibody--caused cytostimulation.