[Heterogeneity of antimitochondrial antibodies: evidence for antigens in the mitochondrial matrix and outer membranes (author's transl)].

Human sera of patients with liver diseases (n = 7) and with systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 1) containing different antimitochondrial and other antibodies detected by immunofluorescence were reexamined after absorption with various subcellular mitochondrial fractions (whole extract, enriched inner and outer membranes, matrix, respectively). The findings were compared with those of the complement binding tests. The results suggest, that the antimitochondrial antibodies are directed against different antigens localized in the inner as well as in the outer membranes, in the matrix, and in other compartments of mitochondria, especially antibodies of type 4, 5, 7 and 8.