The Pseudo-Leukocyte-Specific/Nuclear Membrane Antinuclear Antibody Pattern: A Puzzle

Authors

Thomas K. Burnham

Abstract

We report an antinuclear antibody (ANA) pattern—the pseudo-leukocyte-specific/nuclear membrane (PLS/NM) ANA pattern—that is puzzling because it usually reacts with only a few cells on human spleen imprints but with most epidermal and numerous dermal nuclei of normal human skin sections. The designation "pseudo-leukocyte-specific" was chosen because it is generally seen in only a few nuclei on human spleen imprints, thereby resembling the true leukocyte-specific ANA pattern. A few small round nuclei fluoresce homogeneously, surrounded by a bright wall, suggesting nuclear membrane (NM) fluorescence. The term "nuclear membrane" was added to the name because the NM appearance is even more prominent on skin sections where the pattern can be mistaken for the peripheral ANA pattern of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the PLS/NM pattern has no clinical specificity, which makes it essential to recognize it as separate from the pattern of peripheral fluorescence.

Recommended Citation

Burnham, Thomas K. (1985) "The Pseudo-Leukocyte-Specific/Nuclear Membrane Antinuclear Antibody Pattern: A Puzzle," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 33 : No. 4 , 198-204.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol33/iss4/10