Histone Antibodies

Immunology

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Description

Histones are basic proteins which bind to DNA within the nuclei of cells. Anti-histone antibodies are found in patients with SLE and patients with DIL. In SLE, anti-histone antibodies do not provide any better diagnostic information than DNA and anti-nuclear antibodies but in drug induced lupus, a typical antibody profile consists of anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-histone antibodies but rarely dsDNA antibodies and extractable nuclear antibodies [1]. Drugs implicated in DIL include hydralazine, procainamide and isoniazid [1]. Histone antibodies can be positive in active lupus nephritis [2]. Anti-histone antibodies have also been reported in selected cases of rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-histone antibody levels are reportedly higher in neuropsychiatric lupus [3].

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Indications

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), drug induced SLE (DIL).

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal result = <40 U/mL.
Reference range established by kit manufacturer and verified in-house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

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Testing Frequency

As requested

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References

Vedove CD, et al. Drug induced lupus erythematosus. Archives of Dermatological Research. 2009. 301(1):99-105. [Ref 1]Sun XY, et al. Anti-histone antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and frequency in neuropsychiatric lupus. J Clin Lab Anal. 2008. 22(4):271-277. [Ref 3]Vasoo S. Drug induced lupus: an update. Lupus. 2006. 15(11):757-761.Cohen MG, Pollard KM, Webb J. Antibodies to histones in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence, specificity and relationship to clinical and laboratory features. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 1992. 51(1):61-66.Suenaga R, Abdou NI. Ani-(DNA-histone) antibodies in active lupus nephritis. Journal of Rheumatology. 1996. 23(2):279-284. [Ref 2]Shoenfeld, Y, Segol, O. Anti-Histone antibodies in SLE and other autoimmune diseases. Clin Exp Rheum. 1989. 7(3):265 - 271.

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See Also

ANA; DNA

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.