Antibodies to histone (H2A-H2B)-DNA complexes in the absence of antibodies to double-stranded DNA or to (H2A-H2B) complexes are more sensitive and specific for scleroderma-related disorders than for lupus.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the role of antibodies to histones H2A, H2B, and anti-double-stranded DNA which form (H2A-H2B)-DNA complexes in patients with scleroderma-related disorders.


METHODS
Antihistone antibodies were measured, by enzyme immunoassay, in 26 patients with scleroderma-related disorders, 100 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


RESULTS
Antibodies to histone (H2A-H2B)-DNA complex were more commonly seen in patients with scleroderma-related disorders than in those with SLE (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Scleroderma-related disorders should be included among conditions in which various types of antihistone antibodies are produced. A hypothesis to account for this finding is discussed.
Wallace
D J
DJ
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/UCLA School of Medicine.
Lin
H C
HC
Shen
G Q
GQ
Peter
J B
JB
D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology*; D006657:Histones / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*
D000906:Antibodies; D006657:Histones; D004247:DNA