Incidence and clinical implications of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ( p-ANCA)in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis IS a multisystem disease affecting primarily the joints , with a frequent extra-articular involvement . The exact underlying aetiological factors is not yet clear, however this disease is characterized by the formation of many antibodies against many cell constituents , among which are antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ( Arnet, 1992 ).

i Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies are a system of auto­

antibodies which are strongly associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases (Schanbel et al., 1996).

Cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ( C- ANCA ), as detected by indirect immuno-fluorescence and I or ELISA , are mostly reactive with proteinase-3 ( PR3 ) , and bear a high sensitivity and specificity to Wegner's granuloma. (Tatsis et al., 1999).

I Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ( P- ANCA ) are another member of the ANCA group and are mostly against myeloperoxidase ( MPO ) , and occur at low to moderate frequency in other autoimmune disorders as systemic lupus eljthematosis, primary