title: Polymorphism of human immunoglobulin VH genes: a possible marker of autoimmune disease.
abstract: Human DNA from 11 individuals was analysed by Southern blot for the immunoglobulin genes coding for the heavy chain variable region (VH). The analysis included two probes detecting the genes of subgroup VHII and VHIII. The VH genes pattern shows very little polymorphism whereas the VHIII genes showed a significant polymorphism. When DNA from four patients with Graves' disease was analysed, a VH band was found in DNA of all patients analysed, and of 50 per cent of SLE patients, whereas only 36 per cent of healthy people contained this VH band. This may serve as a new tool to study genetic markers of autoimmune diseases.
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D015342:DNA Probes; D005803:Genes, Immunoglobulin; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
chemical_list: D015342:DNA Probes; D005819:Genetic Markers