Abstract: By means of cell hybridization in situ with digoxigenin labeled probe,we detected the expression of C-myc protooncogene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 31 SLE patients and 10 healthy persons.The results showed that the level of C-myc mRNA in SLE patients was significantly higher than that in normal controls,and the increased level correlated with disease activity.There was also a positive correlation between C-myc mRNA and serum levels of ANA,anti-ds DNA,IgG,C3.Our study indicates that C-myc gene is important for the pathogenesis of SLE.

Key words: Lupus erythematosus,systemic, C-myc protooncogene