Open AccessEffect of altered lymphocyte function on immunologic disorders in nzb/nzw mice.
Author(s) -
Mehta Jagdish,
Knotts Linda,
Craig Carolyn,
Burkholder Sharon,
Miller Christine,
Hahn Bevra
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780210204
Subject(s) - immunologic function , immunology , lymphocyte , function (biology) , medicine , immune system , biology , genetics
Abstract Administration of thymosin fraction V to NZB/NZW F 1 mice, an animal model for human SLE, accelerated the appearance of proteinuria and anti‐nDNA antibodies, increased deposition of immunoglobulins in kidneys, and significantly shortened survivals. Although the addition of thymosin to in vitro cultures of spleen and lymph node cells from thymosin‐treated mice increased DNA synthesis in response to stimulation with Con A, in vivo treatment with thymosin did not affect the Con A response. There was no effect on in vitro responses to PHA or LPS, or on IgM antibody formation to SRBC (T cell dependent) or SSS III (T cell independent) immunizations. Antibodies to thymosin or contamination of our thymosin preparations with nucleic acids could not be demonstrated. The acceleration of autoimmune disease produced by thymosin treatment could not be explained by alteration of the T and B cell functions studied.