Synthetic and structural investigations of monomeric dilithium boraamidinates and bidentate NBNCN ligands with bulky N-bonded groups.

The dilithiated boraamidinate complexes [Li(2)[PhB(NDipp)(2)](THF)(3)] (7a) (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) and [Li(2)[PhB(NDipp)(N(t)Bu)](OEt(2))(2)] (7b), prepared by reaction of PhB[N(H)Dipp][N(H)R'] (6a, R' = Dipp; 6b, R' = (t)Bu) with 2 equiv of (n)BuLi, are shown by X-ray crystallography to have monomeric structures with two terminal and one bridging THF ligands (7a) or two terminal OEt(2) ligands (7b). The derivative 7a is used to prepare the spirocyclic group 13 derivative [Li(OEt(2))(4)][In[PhB(NDipp)(2)](2)] (8a) that is shown by an X-ray structural analysis to be a solvent-separated ion pair. The monoamino derivative PhBCl[N(H)Dipp] (9a), obtained by the reaction of PhBCl(2) with 2 equiv of DippNH(2), serves as a precursor for the synthesis of the four-membered BNCN ring [[R'''N(H)](Ph)B(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)C(n)Bu] (10a, R''' = Dipp). The X-ray structures of 6a, 9a, and 10a have been determined. The related derivative 10b (R''' = (t)Bu) was synthesized by the reaction of [Cl(Ph)B(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)C(n)Bu] with Li[N(H)(t)Bu] and characterized by (1)H, (11)B, and (13)C NMR spectra. In contrast to 10a and 10b, NMR spectroscopic data indicate that the derivatives [[DippN(H)](Ph)B(NR')(2)CR(NR')] (11a: R =( t)Bu, R' = Cy; 11b: R = (n)Bu, R' = Dipp) adopt acyclic structures with three-coordinate boron atoms. Monolithiation of 10a produces the novel hybrid boraamidinate/amidinate (bamam) ligand [Li[DippN]PhB(N(t)Bu)C(n)Bu(N(t)Bu)] (12a).

Preparation, crystal structure, and spectroscopic characterization of [(Se(2)SN(2)Cl](2).

The reaction of [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)S with an equimolar amount of SeCl(4) in dioxane at 50 degrees C affords [(Se(2)SN(2))Cl](2) (1) in excellent yield. Crystals of 1 are orthorhombic, space group Pbca, with a = 8.5721(7) A, b = 7.8336(6) A, c = 15.228(1) A, and Z = 8. The crystal structure contains two planar Se(2)SN(2)(*)(+) rings which are linked by intermolecular Se.Se interactions [d(Se-Se) = 3.0690(7) A]. The EI mass spectrum shows Se(2)SN(2)(*)(+) as the fragment of highest mass. Both the (14)N and (77)Se NMR spectra show a single resonance (-52 and 1394 ppm, respectively). The solid [(Se(2)SN(2))Cl](2) gives a strong ESR signal indicating the presence of a Se(2)SN(2)(*)(+) radical. The Raman spectrum was assigned through normal coordinate treatment involving a general valence force field. The vibrational analysis yielded a good agreement between the observed and calculated wavenumbers.

Preparation and x-ray structures of alkali-metal derivatives of the ambidentate anions [tBuN(E)P(mu-NtBu)2P(E)NtBu]2- (E = S, Se) and [tBuN(Se)P(mu-NtBu)2PN(H)tBu)]-.

The ambidentate dianions [(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu](2)(-) (5a, E = S; 5b, E = Se) are obtained as their disodium and dipotassium salts by the reaction of cis-[(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(H)(t)Bu] (6a, E = S; 6b, E = Se), with 2 equiv of MN(SiMe(3))(2) (M = Na, K) in THF at 23 degrees C. The corresponding dilithium derivative is prepared by reacting 6a with 2 equiv of (t)BuLi in THF at reflux. The X-ray structures of five complexes of the type [(THF)(x)()M](2)[(t)BuN(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu] (9, M = Li, E = S, x = 2; 11a/11b, M = Na, E = S/Se, x = 2; 12a, M = K, E = S, x = 1; 12b, M = K, E = Se, x = 1.5) have been determined. In the dilithiated derivative 9 the dianion 5a adopts a bis (N,S)-chelated bonding mode involving four-membered LiNPS rings whereas 11a,b and 12a,b display a preference for the formation of six-membered MNPNPN and MEPNPE rings, i.e., (N,N' and E,E')-chelation. The bis-solvated disodium complexes 11a,b and the dilithium complex 9 are monomeric, but the dipotassium complexes 12a,b form dimers with a central K(2)E(2) ring and associate further through weak K.E contacts to give an infinite polymeric network of 20-membered K(6)E(6)P(4)N(4) rings. The monoanions [(t)Bu(H)N(E)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(E)N(t)Bu)](-) (E = S, Se) were obtained as their lithium derivatives 8a and 8b by the reaction of 1 equiv of (n)BuLi with 6a and 6b, respectively. An X-ray structure of the TMEDA-solvated complex 8a and the (31)P NMR spectrum of 8b indicate a N,E coordination mode. The reaction of 6b with excess (t)BuLi in THF at reflux results in partial deselenation to give the monolithiated P(III)/P(V) complex [(THF)(2)Li[(t)BuN(Se)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)PN(H)(t)Bu]] 10, which adopts a (N,Se) bonding mode.

Preparation and X-ray structures of Cu(I), Ni(II), and Pd(II) (N,S) complexes of the monoanion [(tBuN)(S)P(mu-N(t)Bu)2P(S)(NH(t)Bu)]- and a Pt(II) (S,S') complex of the dianion [((t)BuN)(S)P(mu-N(t)Bu)2P(S)(N(t)Bu)]2-.

The metathetical reactions of the lithium derivative of the monoanion [((t)BuN)(S)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(S)(NH(t)Bu)](-) (L) with CuCl/PPh(3), NiCl(2)(PEt(3))(2), PdCl(2)L'(2) (L' = PhCN, PPh(3)), and PtCl(2)(PEt(3))(2) produced the complexes (PPh(3))CuL (5), NiL(2) (6), PdCl(L)(PPh(3)) (7), PdL(2) (8), and Pt(PEt(3))(2)[((t)BuN)(S)P(mu-N(t)Bu)(2)P(S)(N(t)Bu)] (9). The X-ray structures of 5, 6, and 8 reveal a N,S-coordination for the chelating monoanion L with the metal centers in trigonal planar, tetrahedral, and square planar environments, respectively. By contrast, the dianionic ligand in the square planar Pt(II) complex 9 is S,S'-chelated to the metal center. (31)P NMR spectra readily distinguish between the N,S and S,S' bonding modes, and, on that basis, N,S chelation is inferred for the Pd(II) complex 7. Crystal data: 5, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 19.175(4) A, b = 20.331(4) A, c = 10.017(6) A, beta = 91.79(3) degrees, V = 3903(2) A(3), and Z = 4; 6, orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 14.298(5) A, b = 15.333(5) A, c = 24.378(5) A, beta = 90.000(5) degrees, V = 5344(3) A(3), and Z = 4; 8, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 13.975(3) A, b = 14.283(3) A, c = 15.255(4) A, beta = 116.565(18) degrees, V = 2723.5(11) A(3), and Z = 2; 9, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 12.479(6) A, b = 21.782(7) A, c = 17.048(5) A, beta = 100.30(3) degrees, V = 4559(3) A(3), and Z = 4.

Lithium halide adducts of imidotellurium(IV) ligands: synthesis and X-ray structures of [Li(THF)2L](mu 3-I)[LiI(L)] [L = tBuNTe(mu-NtBu)2TeNtBu] and [(THF)3Li3(mu 3-I)(Te(NtBu)3)].

The reaction of the chelating ligand tBuNTe(mu-NtBu)2TeNtBu (L) with LiI in THF yields [Li(THF)2L](mu 3-I)[LiI(L)] (3). This complex is also formed by the attempted oxidation of [Li2Te(NtBu)3]2 with I2. An X-ray analysis of 3 reveals that the tellurium diimide dimer acts as a chelating ligand toward (a) [Li(THF)2]+ cations and (b) a molecule of LiI. An extended structure is formed via weak Te...I interactions [3.8296(7)-3.9632(7) A] involving both mu 3-iodide counterions and the iodine atoms of the coordinated LiI molecules. Crystal data: 3, triclinic, space group P1, a = 10.1233(9) A, b = 15.7234(14) A, c = 18.8962(17) A, alpha = 86.1567(16) degrees, beta = 84.3266(16) degrees, gamma = 82.9461(16) degrees, V = 2965.8(5) A3, Z = 2. The oxidation by air of [Li2Te(NtBu)3]2 in toluene produces the radical (Li3[Te(NtBu)3]2), which exhibits an ESR spectrum consisting of a septet of decuplets (g = 2.00506, a(14N) = 5.26 G, a(7Li) = 0.69 G). The complexes [(THF)3Li3(mu 3-X)(Te(NtBu)3)] (4a, X = Cl; 4b, X = Br; 4c, X = I) are obtained from the reaction of [Li2Te(NtBu)3]2 with lithium halides in THF. The iodide complex, 4c, has a highly distorted, cubic structure comprised of the pyramidal [Te(NtBu)3]2- dianion which is linked through three [Li(THF)]+ cations to I- Crystal data: 4c, triclinic, space group P1, a = 12.611(8) A, b = 16.295(6) A, c = 10.180(3) A, alpha = 98.35(3) degrees, beta = 107.37(4) degrees, gamma = 108.26(4) degrees, V = 1829(2) A3, Z = 2.

Tetraaza analogues of lithium and sodium alums: synthesis and X-ray structures of the single strand polymer [Li(THF)2(Al[SO2(NtBu)2]2)] infinity and the contact ion pairs [Na(15-crown-5)][Al(SO2(NtBu)2)2] and ([Na(15-crown-5)][O2S(mu-NBn)2Al(mu-NBnSO2NBn)])2.

The reaction of an alkali metal aluminohydride MAlH4 (M = Li, Na) with N,N'-bis-(tert-butyl)sulfamide or N,N'-bis-(benzyl)sulfamide in THF produces the complex ions (Al[SO2(NR)2]2)- (R = tBu, Bn). The X-ray structures of [Li(THF)2(Al[SO2(NtBu)2]2)] infinity (1), [Na(15-crown-5)][Al(SO2(NtBu)2)2], (2) and ([Na(15-crown-5)][O2S(mu-NBn)2Al(mu-NBnSO2NBn)])2 (3.3THF) are reported. The two diazasulfate ligands [SO2(NtBu)2]2- are N,N' chelated to Al3+ in both 1 and 2. In the lithium derivative 1 the spirocyclic (Al[SO2(NtBu)2]2)- anions are bridged by the bis-solvated cations Li(THF)2+ to give a polymeric strand. In the sodium salt 2 the complex anion is O,O' chelated to Na+, which is further encapsulated by a 15-crown-5 ligand to give a monomeric ion-pair complex. By contrast, the benzyl derivative 3 forms a dimer in which the terminal [SO2(NBn)2]2- ligands are (N,N'),(O,O') bis-chelated to Al3+ and Na+, respectively, and the bridging ligands adopt a novel N,O-chelate, N'-monodentate bonding mode. The central core of 3 consists of two four-membered AlOSN rings bridged by two NtBu groups. Crystal data: 1, orthorhombic, Pna2(1), a = 20.159(5) degrees, b = 10.354(3) degrees, c = 15.833(4) degrees, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, V = 3304.7(15) A3, Z = 4; 2, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 16.031(2) A, b = 9.907(2) A, c = 23.963(4) A, beta = 103.326(2) degrees, Z = 4; 3, triclinic, P1, a = 12.7237(11) A, b = 14.0108(13) A, c = 16.2050(14) A, alpha = 110.351(2) degrees, beta = 111.538(2) degrees, gamma = 97.350(2) degrees, Z = 1.

Synthesis and characterization of [ButNSn(mu-NBut)2TeNBut](mu3-SnTe), a stannanetellurone with four-coordinate tin.

Treatment of [Li2Te(NBut)3]2 with Sn(O3SCF3)2 or SnCl2 in diethyl ether generates the stannanetellurone [ButNSn(mu-NBut)2 TeNBut](mu3-SnTe) involving four-coordinate tin with d(Sn=Te) = 2.589(1) A; the two Sn and two Te atoms are in different oxidation states (+II/+IV and +IV/-II, respectively).

Steric effects on the mode of aggregation and reactivity of clusters formed from the lithiation of trisamidothiophosphates.

Lithiation of SP[N(H)R]3 with LiBun produces the dimers [(THF)LiSP(NR)(NHR)2]2 (R = Pri) or ([LiSP(NR)-(NHR)2][(THF)LiSP(NR)2(NHR)])2 (R = But) with central Li2N2 or Li2S2 rings, respectively; further lithiation yields the dianion [SP(NR)2(NHR)]2- (R = Pri) or leads to sulfur extrusion when R = But.

Selenium imides: 77Se NMR investigations of the SeCl2-tBuNH2 reaction and X-ray structures of Se3(NtBu)3, tBuNSe(mu-NtBu)2SO2, and tBuNSe(mu-NtBu)2SeO.

The reaction of SeCl2 with tert-butylamine in various molar ratios in THF at -78 degrees C has been investigated by 77Se NMR spectroscopy. In addition to the known Se-N heterocycles Se6(NtBu)2 (1) and Se9(NtBu)6 (2), the acyclic imidoselenium(II) dichlorides ClSe[N(tBu)Se]nCl (4, n = 1; 5, n = 2) and two new cyclic selenium imides [Se3(NtBu)2]n (3, n = 1 or 2) and Se3(NtBu)3 (6) have been isolated and identified. An X-ray analysis shows that 6 is a six-membered ring in a chair conformation with magnitude of d(Se-N) = 1.833 A. Crystal data: 6, trigonal, P3c1, a = 9.8660(3) A, c = 20.8427(7) A, V = 1757.0(1) A3, Z = 6. The 1H, 13C, and 77Se NMR data for 1-6 are reported, and some reassignments of earlier literature data for 1-3 (n = 1) are made. The decomposition of tBuN=Se=NtBu at 20 degrees C in toluene was monitored by 77Se NMR. The major products are 6 and 3. The Se(IV)-N systems tBuNSe(mu-NtBu)2E (7, E = SO2; 8, E = SeO) were prepared by the reaction of a mixture of SeCl4 and excess tBuNH2 with SO2Cl2 or SeOCl2, respectively. Compound 8 is also generated by the cycloaddition reaction of tBuNSeNtBu with tBuNSeO. Both 7 and 8 consist of slightly puckered four-membered rings. The mean terminal and bridging Se-N distances in 7 are 1.665(2) and 1.948(2) A, respectively. The corresponding values for 8 are 1.687(4) and 1.900(4) A, and d(Se=O) = 1.628(4) A. Crystal data: 7, monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 18.669(4) A, b = 12.329(2) A, c = 16.463(3) A, beta = 115.56(3) degrees, V = 3418.4(11) A3, Z = 4; 8, triclinic, P1, a = 6.372(1) A, b = 9.926(2) A, c = 14.034(3) A, alpha = 99.320(3) A, beta = 95.764(3) A, gamma = 103.876(3) A, V = 841.3(3) A3, Z = 2.

Polylithiated tetraaminosilanes: synthesis and characterization of (Et2O.Li)4[Si(Nnaph)4] and X-ray structure of (THF.Li3[Si(NiPr)3(NHiPr)])2.

The treatment of SiCl4 with 4 equiv of Li2(Nnaph) (naph = 1-naphthyl) in diethyl ether gives (Et2O.Li)4[Si(Nnaph)4] (4), which, upon reaction with excess tBuNH3Cl or MeO3SCF3, generates Si[N(H)naph]4 (5) or Si[N(Me)naph]4 (6), respectively. The centrosymmetric dimer (THF.Li3[Si(NiPr)3(NHiPr)])2 (7), formed via trilithiation of Si[N(H)iPr]4 with n-butyllithium, consists of a bis-THF-solvated Li6(NiPr)6 cyclic ladder bicapped by two SiN(H)iPr units. Crystal data for 7: C32H74Li6N8O2Si2, monoclinic, P2(1)/n, a = 10.661(7) A, b = 16.964(5) A, c = 12.405(4) A, beta = 93.22(4) degrees, V = 2239.9(15) A3, and Z = 2.

Eight- and 16-membered cyanuric-sulfanuric ring systems: C2N4S2-->C2N3S ring contraction.

Eight- and 16-membered cyanuric-sulfanuric ring systems of the type Ar2C2N4S2(O)2Ar'2 (3a, Ar = 4-BrC6H4, Ar' = Ph; 3b, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = Ph; 3c, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = 4-CH3C6H4) and Ar4C4N8S4(O)4Ar'4 (4b, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = Ph; 4c, Ar = 4-CH3C6H4, Ar' = Ph; 4d, Ar = 4-CF3C6H4, Ar' = 4-CH3C6H4), respectively, were prepared in good yields by the reaction of the corresponding sulfur(IV) systems with m-chloroperbenzoic acid. The X-ray structures of 3b, 3c.C7H14, 4b.CH2Cl2, 4c, and the S(IV) system Ar4C4N8S4Ar'4 (2c, Ar = 4-CH3C6H4, Ar' = Ph) were determined. Upon oxidation the two oxygen atoms in 3b and 3c.C7H14 adopt endo positions leading to a twist boat conformation for the C2N4S2 ring. The 16-membered C4N8S4 rings in 4b and 4c retain a cradle conformation upon oxidation. The S-N bond distances are ca. 0.06 A shorter in all the S(VI) systems compared to those in the corresponding S(IV) rings. The thermolysis of 3b at ca. 220 degrees C occurs primarily via loss of a sulfanuric group, NS(O)Ph, to give the six-membered ring (4-CF3C6H4)2C2N3S(O)Ph (6). The structure of 6 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Crystal data: 2c, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 13.917(2) A, b = 15.610(4) A, c = 13.491(3) A, alpha = 95.77(2) degrees, beta = 114.82(1) degrees, gamma = 76.21(2) degrees, V = 2583(1) A3, and Z = 2; 3b, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/a with a = 7.316(2) A, b = 29.508(5) A, c = 12.910(2) A, beta = 101.30(2) degrees, V = 2733(1) A3, and Z = 4; 3c.C7H14, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 12.849(4) A, b = 12.863(4) A, c = 12.610(7) A, alpha = 110.61(3) degrees, beta = 105.77(3) degrees, gamma = 62.77(2) degrees, V = 1719(1) A3, and Z = 2; 4b.CH2Cl2, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 12.647(3) A, b = 19.137(3) A, c = 12.550(2) A, alpha = 105.765(11) degrees, beta = 93.610(15) degrees, gamma = 88.877(16) degrees, V = 2917.2(9) A3, and Z = 2; 4c, orthorhombic, space group Pba2 with a = 22.657(2) A, b = 10.570(2) A, c = 10.664(3) A, alpha = beta = gamma = 90 degrees, V = 2554(1) A3, and Z = 2; 6, triclinic, space group P1 with a = 7.4667(8) A, b = 11.3406(12) A, c = 13.5470(14) A, alpha = 108.000(2) degrees, beta = 105.796(2) degrees, gamma = 94.300(2) degrees, V = 1033.8(2) A3, and Z = 2.

Coinage Metal Complexes of a Tellurium Diimide: cis-->trans Isomerization and Metal-Metal Interactions.

The different coordination behavior of the ligand tBuN=Te(µ-NtBu)(2)Te=NtBu (L) towards Cu(+) and Ag(+) results from a cis-->trans isomerization. The two Cu(+) ions in [Cu(2)L(3)](2+) (shown schematically) bridge trans and cis isomers of the ligand, whereas the Ag(+) ions in [Ag(2)L(2)](2+) link two trans ligands and exhibit a weak Ag small middle dot small middle dot small middle dotAg interaction.

Immunogenetic analysis of 5 families with multicase occurrence of scleroderma and/or related variants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relative contribution of the major histocompatibility (MHC) gene complex in the etiopathogenesis of familial scleroderma and/or its variants, in 5 Australian families, each with 2 affected members. METHODS: Affected individuals and consenting first degree relatives were examined and had blood collected for histocompatibility leukocyte (HLA) class I, class II antigen, and complement C4 typing. An antinuclear (ANA) profile screen on each family member was performed. RESULTS: Family 1, had 2 affected siblings (scleroderma, CREST), each anticentromere positive (> 1/640 titer), with identical HLA haplotypes. A brother, who was HLA identical to his affected sisters was clinically normal and ANA negative. In Family 2, there were no HLA haplotype similarities between the 2 sisters affected with diffuse scleroderma. Both were ANA positive (> 1/640). A 3rd sister was HLA identical to the proband but was clinically normal and ANA negative. In Family 3, affected siblings (CREST, morphea) had identical HLA haplotypes. In Family 4, both mother (CREST) and one of her 2 daughters (scleroderma) had anticentromere antibodies (1/2560). The unaffected daughter, not sharing either of her sister's haplotypes, was normal and ANA negative. In Family 5, 2 sisters (CREST, CREST) were HLA identical. CONCLUSION: A female predominance in familial scleroderma was observed. There was no common HLA haplotype between different families affected with scleroderma or its disease variants. Within families (except in one case, where the possibility of crossover exists or a question of paternity) affected siblings shared both HLA haplotypes. The development of disease was not totally accounted for by HLA genes, since family members with the same HLA haplotypes as the proband, were not affected. It appears that genes within the MHC complex are required but are not sufficient for the development of systemic sclerosis.

Monoclonal antibodies as probes to examine serotype-specific and cross-reactive epitopes of lipopolysaccharides from serotypes O2, O5, and O16 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Serotypes O2, O5, and O16 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa are chemically related, and the O antigens of their lipopolysaccharides share a similar trisaccharide repeat backbone structure. Serotype-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) MF71-3, MF15-4, and MF47-4 against the O2, O5, and O16 serotypes, respectively, were isolated. MAb 18-19, which is cross-reactive with all strains of this chemically related serogroup, was also produced. When column chromatography or sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-separated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) samples from each of the serotypes were probed with the MAbs in Western immunoblots, each of the serotype-specific MAbs interacted only with high-molecular-weight bands of the homologous LPS, with a minimum O-antigen chain length of at least 6 to 10 repeats. In contrast, cross-reactive MAb 18-19 was shown to interact in Western immunoblots with the entire LPS banding pattern except the fastest-running band, which lacks O antigen. Chemical modification of P. aeruginosa LPS by alkali treatment and carboxyl reduction abolished reactions between LPS and MAb 18-19, while reactions of modified LPS with serotype-specific MAbs were not affected. Therefore, cross-reactive MAb 18-19 likely recognizes the chemical backbone structure of the O repeat that is common to all three serotypes of the O2-O5-O16 group, while the O-specific MAbs appeared to recognize LPS epitopes that could be presented when 6 to 10 or more O-antigen repeat units are present on the LPS molecule. Thus, the O-specific LPS epitopes likely involve unique chemical structures, glycosidic linkages, and some order of folding of the O side chains.

Common antigen lipopolysaccharide from Pseudomonas aeruginosa AK1401 as a receptor for bacteriophage A7.

A-band, a D-rhamnose-containing common lipopolysaccharide antigen isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa AK1401, was found to be a receptor for bacteriophage A7. The phage-borne rhamnanase was capable of hydrolyzing the A-band to expose core-lipid A containing only two or three rhamnose repeats. Interaction of the hydrolyzed A-band with core- or lipid A-specific monoclonal antibodies revealed that common epitopes exist in the inner core and lipid A regions, while the outer core of A-band appears to be different from that of the serotype-specific (B-band) lipopolysaccharide.

A case-control study of congenital heart block: association with maternal antibodies to Ro(SS-A) and La(SS-B).

A case control study of congenital complete heart block (CHB) was undertaken to determine the degree of association of this condition with maternal connective tissue disease and with maternal autoantibodies, in particular those to Ro(SS-A). Mothers of cases (n = 18) and controls (n = 72) completed a self-administered questionnaire and donated 10 ml of blood. The odds of giving birth to a child with CHB were increased by a factor of 22 for women with antibodies to Ro(SS-A) and/or La(SS-B) compared with women who did not have these antibodies. Thus the association between CHB and both anti-Ro(SS-A) and anti-La(SS-B) antibodies has been demonstrated in an Australian population and indicates that anti-La(SS-B), as well as anti-Ro(SS-A) antibodies may be a risk factor for the development of CHB.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical and laboratory associations in 111 patients.

An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the prevalence and disease associations of antibodies to a range of negatively charged phospholipids in 111 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The frequency of one or more isotypes of different antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs) was similar (range 33%-45%). When individual isotypes were considered alone there was considerable variation (range 5%-32%). There were significant associations between thrombosis, thrombocytopenia, and central nervous system (CNS) disease but not abortion with elevated APL. Strong associations were found between raised anti-ds-DNA (Farr assay) and a positive direct Coomb's test with raised APL. Thus, APLs are common in SLE and are associated with discrete clinical and laboratory features. However, detection of antibodies to a range of negatively charged phospholipids added little clinically useful information to that obtained by measuring anticardiolipin antibody (ACL) alone. We cannot recommend the use of APLs other than ACL for routine testing.