The effect of T cell subset depletion on autoimmune thyroiditis in the Buffalo strain rat.
The aim of these experiments was to analyse the functional roles of phenotypically defined T cells from Buffalo strain rats with immunisation or neonatal thymectomy-induced autoimmune thyroiditis. Rats were depleted either of CD8-positive T cells by administration of the Ox8 monoclonal antibody or of activated T cells by administration of low-dose cyclosporin A (Cs A) with an anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody (ART-18), and the effects on subsequent disease assessed. Even though animals were not completely depleted of Ox8 cells, immunisation-induced thyroiditis was enhanced by Ox8 treatment, whereas thyroglobulin antibodies were reduced compared with controls. Subtherapeutic doses of either Cs A or ART-18 alone had little effect on thymectomy-induced thyroiditis, in contrast to Cs A and ART-18 in conjunction, which prevented disease developing. These results suggest important roles for CD8-positive and IL-2 receptor-bearing T cells in experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.
Cohen
S B
SB
Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge Clinical School, U.K.
Diamantstein
T
T
Weetman
A P
AP
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D007114:Immunization; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D051381:Rats; D011915:Rats, Inbred BUF / Q000276:immunology*; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains / Q000276:immunology*; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D013934:Thymectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013967:Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003524:Cyclosporins; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2