INDIVIDUAL TEST 086

Adrenal Cortex Antibodies

IndicationSuspicion of primary Addison’s disease (idiopathic adrenal cortex insufficiency).MethodIndirect immunofluorescence with sections of adrenal cortex from monkeys. The antibodies are directed against microsomal antigens in adrenal cortex cells.ResultThe result is given as negative or 1+ (weak), 2+ (medium), or 3+ (strong) positive after evaluation of the immunofluorescence intensity.InterpretationAntibodies against adrenal cortex are detected in about 70% of patients with primary adrenal cortex insufficiency which is more common in women and associated with other autoimmune diseases, e.g., Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, juvenile diabetes mellitus or pernicious anemia. Analysis of autoantibodies against 21-hydroxylase is to be preferred since they are a more sensitive and more specific markers for this disease.