title: Lupus band test in uninvolved oral mucosa in systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: In 42 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, clinically normal oral mucosa was investigated with direct immunofluorescence technique for the presence of immunoglobulins G, A and M and complement factor C3 in the mucosal basement membrane zone (the lupus band test, LBT). Punch biopsies were performed in the posterior part of the hard palate (n = 39) or the lower labial mucosa (n = 3). The immunopathological observations were compared with clinical and serological data. The LBT was positive for IgM in 45% of the patients and trace amounts of IgM were found in another 19%. In 7 cases (17%) either IgG, IgA or C3 were found in addition to IgM and these patients all had a severe form of the disease, while the presence of IgM only was not correlated to clinical parameters.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins