Cell-mediated immunity in genetically obese C57BL/6J ob/ob) mice.
The thymus and spleen of genetically obese (C57BL/6J ob/ob) mice weighed less and contained fewer mononuclear cells and Thy 1.2-positive lymphocytes compared with findings in lean controls. The number of splenic antibody forming cells, particularly IgG-producing lymphocytes, was reduced. There was a marked increase in natural killer cell activity and a slight increase in antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the obese animals. Cytotoxic response of spleen cells of obese mice immunized in vivo was markedly lower than that of lean controls, whereas the generation of T killer cells against alloantigens after in vitro immunization was unimpaired, which points to a deleterious "microenvironment" in obesity. It is suggested that metabolic, nutritional, and endocrine changes in obesity may contribute to altered immunocompetence.
D000818:Animals; D000920:Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity; D000921:Antibody-Producing Cells / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL / Q000276:immunology; D008820:Mice, Obese / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology
D007519:Isoantigens