Abstract
The light chain-type composition of RF, anti-DNA antibody and other immunoglobulin were examined by means of micro ELISA method. The results showed that the κ/λ ratio of RF were highly valiable (0.6-45) in contrast with the relatively constant κ/λ ratios of anti-ds-DNA antibody (1.2-5.0), anti-ss-DNA antibody (1.0-4.0) and anti-tetanus toxoid antibody which were similar to the ratio of serum immunoglobulin. And the κ/λ ratio of RF showed positive correlation with the titer of IgM-RF.
The polyclonal activation of B cells apparently participates in the development of autoimmunity. But our results suggest that RFs may not be produced only by polyclonal B cells activation though anti-DNA antibody may produced as the result of polyclonal B cell activation alone. The affinity maturation may take a part for the production of RF in the patients with long-lasting rheumatoid arthritis.
