Dose‐dependent induction of anti–native dna antibodies in cats by propylthiouracil

Abstract

Cats receiving propylthiouracil (PTU) develop antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and an immune‐mediated disease syndrome characterized by anorexia, lymphadenopathy, weight loss, and Coombs‐positive hemolytic anemia. Investigation of the ANA specificity indicated that the predominant ANA activity consisted of anti–native DNA (nDNA) antibodies. The formation of anti‐nDNA antibodies and immune‐mediated disease syndrome appeared to be dose‐dependent, even in cats in which a response had been induced on 4 prior occasions. These results supply further evidence that PTU‐induced autoimmunity is not the result of a simple drug allergy. Rather, it appears that PTU induces a lupus‐like syndrome, including the hallmark sign of systemic lupus erythematosus, anti‐nDNA antibodies. Copyright © 1988 American College of Rheumatology