Mitochondrial M2 antibodies

Mitochondrial antibodies are associated with primary biliary cirrhosis. They can be detected by IIF on a composite rodent block of mouse liver kidney and stomach. A number of different mitochondrial antibodies have been described in association with different hepatic and non-hepatic disorders. The antigenic specificities of some of the mitochondrial antibodies have been identified. The M2 antibody reacts with 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex and is positive in up to 90% of primary biliary cirrhosis but may occur in other chronic liver diseases and systemic sclerosis. If clinically indicated a positive mitochondrial antibody is confirmed by a liver immunoblot.