| Abstract: | ABSTRACT In 42 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, clinically normal oral mucosa was investigated with direct immunofluorescence technique for the presence of immunoglobulins G, A and M and complement factor C3 in the mucosal basement membrane zone (the lupus band test, LBT). Punch biopsies were performed in the posterior part of the hard palate (n = 39) or the lower labial mucosa (n = 3). The immunopathological observations were compared with clinical and serological data. The LBT was positive for IgM in 45% of the patients and trace amounts of IgM were found in another 19%. In 7 cases (17%) either IgG, IgA or C3 were found in addition to IgM and these patients all had a severe form of the disease, while the presence of IgM only was not correlated to clinical parameters. |
