Autoantibodies and prolactin participate in a positive feedback loop

Some anti-DNA antibodies cross-react with N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and enhance their activation. NMDARs are known to regulate prolactin synthesis and secretion. We hypothesize that anti-DNA/NMDAR cross-reactive antibodies increase serum prolactin. Approximately 25% of lupus patients have increased prolactin levels which, in mouse studies, can abrogate B cell tolerance. We propose to confirm that these antibodies establish an amplification loop in SLE.