Monoclonal Autoantibodies that React with Hormones also React with Cells Not Containing Those Hormones

Abstract

Two IgM monoclonal autoantibodies PI-6 and AP-2, were found by immunofluorescence, hormone absorption and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to react with insulin and GH [growth hormone], respectively. The same antibodies were also found to react with a variety of organs [mouse] that do not contain those hormones. Absorption of PI-6 with insulin, but not with GH, and absorption of AP-2 with GH, but not with insulin, eliminated the capacity of these antibodies to react with all organs tsted. These monoclonal antibodies are broadly reactive and recognize epitopes on more than 1 protein.