Lymphocyte Tubuloreticular Structures in Lupus Erythematosus

Lymphocytes from a series of 62 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus were examined by electronmicroscopy for the presence of tubuloreticular inclusions. Assessments were also made of selected laboratory measurements of disease activity. Inclusions correlated with activity as measured by DNA binding and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Sequential studies permitted identification of lupus erythematosus populations that were inclusion positive, negative, or of a transitional stage. Significant differences in disease activity levels were found among these patients. Whether the inclusions are responsible for the disease fluctuations or are a secondary reflection thereof is unresolved.