RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Effect of free radical altered IgG on allergic inflammation. JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases JO Ann Rheum Dis FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism SP 866 OP 874 DO 10.1136/ard.46.11.866 VO 46 IS 11 A1 Hewitt, S D A1 Lunec, J A1 Morris, C J A1 Blake, D R YR 1987 UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/46/11/866.abstract AB The rheumatoid synovium is capable of producing large amounts of IgG which may become modified by the actions of free radicals. A rat model of synovitis was established and challenged with both normal and free radical altered IgG. IgG was prepared from homologous pooled serum by high performance liquid chromatography, and free radical damage was induced by 15 minutes ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The results showed a worsening in gross assessments of inflammation, increases in biochemical indices of lipid peroxidation, and also a rise in the proportion of IgG which, on reisolation, showed the characteristic fluorescence associated with free radical damage. This demonstrated how the presence of free radical altered IgG might convert an inflammatory insult to a more persistent stimulus, and the capacity of an environment subjected to continuing antigenic stimulation to induce further free radical damage to IgG.