Autoantibodies to Tamm-Horsfall protein in patients with cystic fibrosis

Sera from 35 patients, 17 boys and 18 girls, with cystic fibrosis were analysed for autoantibodies to the Tamm-Horsfall protein. Significantly (p less than 0.001) elevated levels of specific IgG and IgA, but not IgM antibodies to Tamm-Horsfall protein were found. There was a considerable overlap between the values in the disease group and the control group. The highest values were found among the patients with liver involvement. The patients with marked lung abnormalities as well as those with positive bacterial culture of sputum had normal antibody levels.