Abstract: In order to study the relationship between expression of CD23 on B cells and the deve lopment of SLE,and possible role in the pathogenesis of SLE,we used ABC immunohistochemistry and Northern dot blot hybridization technique to detect CD23 protein and mRNA expression on PBMC in SLE patients and healthy controls.The results showed:CD23 protein and mRNA expression was significantly higher in active SLE patients than those in controls(P<0 01),and showed positive linear correlation between CD23 expression and disease activity(r_s=0 3814,P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the patients after treatment in comparison with controls(P>0.05).There were no significant difference(P>0.05) in the expression of CD23 protein on PBMC among active SLE patients with different levels of ANA or dsDNA antibody,with or without renal or brain involvment as well as treated with corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressants.It was implicated that abnormal activation and proliferation of B cells lead to over expression of CD23 protein and mRNA in active SLE,but there was not direct relationship between over expression of CD23 and the levels of ANA or anti dsDNA antibody.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus,Systemic, CD23, Expression