title: Ultrastructural localization of DNA in immune deposits of human lupus nephritis.
abstract: DNA molecules were revealed in the glomerular wall of lupus nephritis patients by applying two specific colloidal gold cytochemical approaches at the electron microscope level: immunocytochemistry using a monoclonal anti-DNA antibody in conjunction with protein A-gold and enzyme-gold cytochemistry using DNAse-gold complexes. Application of both techniques has demonstrated that DNA molecules are preferentially located over the electron-dense deposits found in the glomerular basement membrane and mesangial matrix of SLE patients, as well as over the nuclei. Their distribution within the glomerular wall was correlated with electron-dense immune deposits revealed by anti-light chain antibodies. In normal control kidney, DNA labeling was restricted to the cell nuclei. Several control experiments have demonstrated the high specificity of the results. These data thus suggest a possible role for DNA as an antigenic component in the formation of immune complexes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Malide
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Londoño
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bendayan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002648:Child; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005920:Glomerular Mesangium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015433:Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D004247:DNA