Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody

Anti- neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies ANCA abbreviated, certain autoantibodies, which means the body formed antibodies against the body's own white blood cells. They are demonstrated in the laboratory by immunofluorescence. The search for ANCA in the serum is indicated for the following diseases:

Should a patient have one of these diseases, says a positive ANCA findings for vasculitis. Based on the fluorescence pattern on ethanol - fixed human neutrophils, a distinction is made between c ( = cytoplasmic ) -ANCA and p ( = perinuclear ) -ANCA. c -ANCA occur in granulomatous polyangiitis before and are directed against the enzyme proteinase 3, while p -ANCA (directed against the enzyme myeloperoxidase ) occur in microscopic polyangiitis, Churg -Strauss syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis and idiopathic glomerulonephritis.

The antibodies in granulomatous polyangiitis characteristically found are directed against proteinase 3. This is a serine protease of the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils. The antibodies are also referred to as a PR3 -ANCA ( proteinase -3 anti- neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies).

Etiology

Identify (etiology ) of the formation of ANCA is not known. Maybe a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition is required. Possible causes of ANCA -associated vasculitis are discussed:

• Silicates by exposure to dusts in industry and agriculture
• Bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus
• Viruses, particularly parvovirus B19
• Genetic factors including polymorphisms of genes of the HLA system, the Fc receptor, CD 18, interleukin-10, α -1-antitrypsin and proteinase 3
• Drugs such as propylthiouracil
• Climatic factors; Antibodies against proteinase 3 are common in northern Europe, antibodies against myeloperoxidase, however, in southern Europe and North Africa