| Abstract: | The beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) is a low molecular weight protein, recognized on the cellular membranes of numerous nucleated cells and strictly correlated to the antigens of Major Histocompatibility Complex. Many authors have demonstrated an increase of the plasmatic beta 2m in different inflammatory diseases and, particularly in rheumatic ones, as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Reiter's syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus. We have also investigated the behaviour of the plasmatic beta 2m in 52 RA patients and in 17 healthy subjects. The beta 2m was measured in serum, by radioimmunoassay. We have demonstrated that the plasmatic beta 2m has moderately increased in the serum of RA patients, even if there is not a significant difference when compared to the normal subjects. |
