Final answer:
It is true that drugs like α-methyldopa can induce autoantibodies against RBCs that cause IgG-mediated hemolytic anemia, illustrating a Type II hypersensitivity reaction in which the immune system attacks its own RBCs.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: Certain drugs, such as α-methyldopa, can indeed induce the production of autoantibodies against red blood cells (RBCs), leading to IgG-mediated hemolytic anemia. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly identifies its own RBCs as foreign and creates antibodies that attack and destroy these cells. This is an example of a Type II hypersensitivity reaction where IgG antibodies play a pivotal role in the lysis of cells via complement activation.
Type II hypersensitivity reactions can manifest in various clinical situations, including hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the newborn. For instance, if an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood, she might produce anti-Rh antibodies. In a subsequent pregnancy, these antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the RBCs of an Rh-positive fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Furthermore, the autoimmunity induced by drugs such as α-methyldopa is clinically significant as it represents a potential side effect that healthcare providers must be vigilant about when prescribing and monitoring medication use.