Oxygen free radical altered immunoglobin G in the etiopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

The particular association of RA with anti-lgG antibodies suggests an important role of lgG in the etiology and pathology of RA. One of the suggested mechanisms by which lgG could be altered is exposure to oxygen free radicals. During inflammation large amounts of oxygen free radicals are produced by PMN giving basis to this suggestion. In Chapter II of this thesis a general overview is presented on the role of oxygen free radicals in RA. Particular attention is given to the effects on proteins. From this it can be seen that oxygen free radicals play an important role in the inflammatory response and concomitant tissue damage in RA. Briefly, the attention in this thesis is focussed on the following questions: - Can lgG be altered by oxygen free radicals? - What is the nature of these alterations? - Does oxygen free radical altered lgG interact with rheumatoid factors and complement? - What is the effect of oxygen free radical altered lgG on the non-specific immune system (granulocytes)? - What is the effect of oxygen free radical altered lgG on the specific immune system (lymphocytes)?