Heterogeneity in the expression of Ro and La antigens in human skin.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there are variations in the expression of Ro and La antigens in human skin.


METHODS
Levels of expression of Ro and/or La antigens in 26 specimens of normal human skin (11 sun-exposed, 15 sun-protected) were measured by indirect immunofluorescence with monospecific antisera.


RESULTS
Levels of expression of both antigens varied by more than 2,000-fold in the skin of different individuals. There usually was a correlation between the levels of expression of Ro and La antigens in the same skin specimen. There was no correlation found between the levels of Ro or La antigen expression and sun exposure, nor was there a correlation found between levels of antigen expression and location of the skin on the body.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a marked heterogeneity in the expression of both Ro and La antigens in the skin of different individuals. The present study findings suggest that the levels of expression of these antigens may play a role in the propensity of some individuals to develop anti-Ro or anti-La antibodies and/or skin lesions associated with the presence of these antibodies.
Niimi
Y
Y
Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
Ioannides
D
D
Buyon
J
J
Bystryn
J C
JC
D001324:Autoantigens / Q000032:analysis*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D020733:RNA, Small Cytoplasmic; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013472:Sunlight; D000097585:SS-B Antigen; D000099207:SS-A Antigen
D001324:Autoantigens; D020733:RNA, Small Cytoplasmic; D012261:Ribonucleoproteins; D000097585:SS-B Antigen; D000099207:SS-A Antigen; C116006:RO60 protein, human