Open AccessNatural history of murine lupus. Modulation by sex hormones
Author(s) -
Talal Norman
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780210908
Subject(s) - autoimmunity , hormone , immune system , antibody , immunology , autoimmune disease , biology , systemic lupus erythematosus , spleen , nucleic acid , disease , endocrinology , medicine , genetics
Pathologic and immunologic features of the spontaneous autoimmune disease of NZB and NZB/NZW F 1 (B/W) mice resemble human SLE in three major respects: formation of antibodies to nucleic acids, deposition of immune complexes containing DNA in the kidney, and earlier onset of severe disease in females. Genetic, viral, and hormonal factors are involved in a pathogenetic mechanism that is manifest primarily as a disturbance in immunologic regulation. Recent studies on the sequential development of IgM and then IgG antibodies to DNA and RNA suggest that the thymus, spleen, and gonads exert important regulatory influences. We have found that sex hormones modulate the expression of autoimmunity in B/W mice, with androgens suppressing and estrogens accelerating disease. The hormones may act by restoring immunologic control.