title: Development of Rh-specific maternal autoantibodies following intensive plasmapheresis for Rh immunisation during pregnancy.
abstract: Two cases of autoantibody formation following large volume plasmapheresis for rhesus immunisation during pregnancy are described. In each case the autoantibody was directed against the Rh complex but showed a preference for G-positive cells. It is postulated that repeated plasmapheresis in the presence of persistent antigenic stimulation has removed a feedback inhibition of the immune response. The specificity of the alloantibody has broadened resulting in cross-reactivity against self-antigens. The possible implications of these cases in relation to autoimmunity are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010956:Plasmapheresis; D011247:Pregnancy; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System