Description(s):
Antibodies to Scl-70 are a specific immunological marker for scleroderma (or progressive systemic sclerosis, PSS), a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by collagen deposition and connective tissue destruction of the skin, blood vessels and certain internal organs. Studies have shown varying frequencies of Scl-70 antibodies in PSS. This antibody was found in approximately 20% of PSS patients in early studies but 75% in later studies. Scl-70 antibodies are directed against DNA-topoisomerase I which locates in the nucleus. The whole molecule of DNA-topoisomerase is 110 kDa but it is easily degraded by proteases to 100 kDa, 87 kDa and 70 kDa (Scl-70). PSS is classified into two types; diffuse scleroderma and limited scleroderma. Scl-70 antibodies are present specifically in diffuse scleroderma and centromere antibodies are present in limited scleroderma. Rarely, Scl-70 antibodies are found in SLE and MCTD patients.
Principle
Autoimmune ELISA kits measure autoimmune antibodies in the serum. It is based on the principle of a solid phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The assay utilizes a specific antigen for immobilization on the microtiter wells and anti-mouse IgG antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for detection. The test sample is allowed to react simultaneously with the two components, resulting in autoimmune antibodies being sandwiched between the solid phase antigen and the enzyme-linked antibodies. After incubation, the wells are washed to remove unbound antibodies. Then an HRP substrate is added to develop a blue color. The color development is stopped with the addition of Stop Solution, changing the color to yellow. The concentration of autoimmune antibodies is directly proportional to the color intensity of the test sample. Absorbance is measured spectrophotometrically at 450 nm.
