Abstract: Disclosed are novel autoantigens and methods useful in the detection of autoantibodies in persons that have developed, or are at risk of developing, autoimmune hypoparathyroidism. The novel autoantigens of the subject invention may be used to achieve early diagnosis and treatmcnt of autoimmune hypoparathyroidism, and possibly other autoimmune diseases which arc frequently associated with autoimmune hypoparathyroidism.

Abstract: Acquired hypoparathyroidism (AH) occurs frequently as a component of type I autoimmune polyglandular disease (APS-I) or as a sporadic isolated disease in adults. Whereas autoantibodies to the parathyroid glands have been reported in AH, their very existence remains controversial. We report here the detection of autoantibodies as identified through immunoblotting using sera from AH patients. The antibodies were specific to parathyroid autoantigens obtained through differential centrifugation of fresh human hypercellular parathyroid glands, obtained shortly after their surgical removal for tertiary hyperparathyroidism in patients with renal failure. Autoantibodies were detected against several parathyroid specific proteins in the 17 AH sera tested. Twelve (70%) reacted to a protein of 70 kDa, while 16 (94%) reacted to a protein of 80 kDa, and 3 (18%) reacted to a protein of 120-140 kDa, respectively.