Immunoperoxidase staining of the choroid plexus in systemic lupus erythematosus

Immune deposits in the choroid of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are thought to relate to the pathogenesis of central nervous system (CNS) SLE. Using an immunoperoxidase technique, we found the presence of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains in the choroid stroma and/or in the ependymal cells in all of 7 patients with SLE, 2 of 4 with rheumatoid arthritis, but not in 3 subjects without autoimmune disease. The occurrence, pattern or intensity of the immunoglobulin deposits did not distinguish the patients with or without clinical neuropsychiatric manifestations. Thus, the presence of immune deposits in the choroid plexus is not specific for CNS involvement in SLE.