Immunological effects of recombinant interferon gamma in vivo in normal mice: failure to induce autoantibodies.
We have investigated the effects on the immune system, and especially on the induction of autoimmunity, of treatment of mice with recombinant IFN-gamma in vivo by several protocols. Neither antichromatin nor Coombs autoantibody was observed. The spleens of the treated animals enlarged two fold, despite a dramatic decrease in numbers of Thy-1+ spleen cells and a smaller decrease in surface Ig+ spleen cells. This was correlated with a markedly diminished Con A response and moderately reduced LPS response. On the other hand, the numbers of IgG secreting cells were augmented in the spleens of treated mice. In addition, IFN-gamma-injected mice lost weight and became anemic. This study shows that, although IFN-gamma-injected in vivo leads to severe changes in the murine immune system, it is not responsible by itself for the induction of autoimmunity.
Davignon
J L
JL
Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7280.
Cohen
P L
PL
Eisenberg
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006400:Hematocrit; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007371:Interferon-gamma