Evidence of immunosuppression in the genetically epilepsy-prone rat.
Immune system function was examined in the genetically epilepsy prone (GEPR-9) rat and non-epileptic Sprague-Dawley control rats. Significant decreases in direct and indirect plaque-forming cell responses were observed in GEPR-9 rats immunized with sheep erythrocytes. Serum levels of IgM were also decreased in non-immunized GEPR-9 rats, providing additional evidence of immunosuppression. However, total serum levels of IgG were three-fold greater in GEPR-9 rats compared to control. These results suggest that the nature of the immune system deficit in the GEPR-9 is complex and may involve an active T-cell population stimulating an overproduction of IgG leading to a diminished capacity to respond to new antigen challenges. This immunological defect may underlie the enhanced susceptibility of GEPR-9 rats to infectious agents. The specific cause of this immune dysfunction is not known. Possible etiological factors include a breakdown in the communication between cells within the immune system or an alteration of neuroendocrine modulation of immune responses.
Rowland
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RR
Department of Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131-5316.
Tokuda
S
S
Weiss
G K
GK
Tso-Olivas
D
D
Savage
D D
DD
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000235:genetics*; D007121:Immunocompetence / Q000235:genetics; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012756:Sheep
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M