HLA antigens in two siblings with autoimmune Addison's disease

The diagnosis of autoimmune Addison's disease was established in two siblings by demonstration of serum antibodies against adrenal cortex antigen, elevated P-ACTH combined with a low P-cortisol, and the absence of P-cortisol response to exogenous ACTH. HLA typing in the two siblings and their parents revealed the same HLA phenotype in the two patients. This is compatible with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and indicates that a supposed trait for autoimmune Addison's disease may segregate with the HLA complex in the familial form of autoimmune Addison's disease.