Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination
    Autoimmun Rev. 2007 Nov;7(1):42-5. Epub 2007 Jul 18.

    Functional autoantibodies, a new paradigm in autoimmunity?

    Source

    Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, USA. ngleicher@thechr.com

    Abstract

    The recent detection of stimulatory autoantibodies as a characteristic feature of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), established the presence of such autoantibodies as a characteristic pathophysiologic finding in a second classical autoimmune disease after autoimmune thyroid disease. This observation raises the possibility of a new paradigm in abnormal autoimmune function, the presence of stimulatory (and suppressive), functional autoantibodies as characteristic features of abnormal autoimmune function. The assumption of such a paradigm opens interesting new research avenues within rheumatology and in other medical specialty areas. Within reproductive medicine, and akin to the concept of hypo- and hyperthyroidism, the possible juxtaposition of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premature ovarian aging (POA), as opposite abnormalities of adrenal function, under control of autoimmune adrenal antibodies, deserves further investigation.

    PMID:
    17967724
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

      Supplemental Content

      Icon for Elsevier Science

      Save items

      loading

      Recent activity

      Your browsing activity is empty.

      Activity recording is turned off.

      Turn recording back on

      See more...
      Write to the Help Desk