[Complement-independent bulla formation in pemphigus vulgaris by IgG4].

Abstract

In cryostat sections from lesional skin of a patient with pemphigus, a typical pattern of IgG deposits was detected at the epidermal intercellular space. However, there were no deposits of complement (C) components. By the highly sensitive APAAP technique using monoclonal antibodies, it was demonstrated that the IgG deposits consisted exclusively of IgG4. IgG subclass analysis of serum autoantibodies against epidermal intercellular substance antigen revealed an identical subclass restriction to IgG4. The IgG4 portion of the serum IgG fraction was significantly increased. Since IgG4 is known to be a an almost ineffective activator of complement, the lack of deposits of C components is not surprising. Our ex vivo observations suggest that complement is not essential for the induction of pemphigus acantholysis.

• Authors: A D Rauterberg, P K Kohl, W Hartschuh, E W Rauterberg
• Journal: Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete (Hautarzt) Vol. 39 Issue 7 Pg. 426-9 (Jul 1988) ISSN: 0017-8470 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Komplement-unabhängige Blasenbildung bei Pemphigus vulgaris durch IgG4.
• PMID: 3065289 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Immunoglobulin G
• Complement System Proteins

Topics

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Autoimmune Diseases (pathology)
• Complement System Proteins (metabolism)
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Immunoglobulin G (metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pemphigus (pathology)
• Skin (pathology)