Hyperprolactinemia in male NZB/NZW (B/W) F1 mice: accelerated autoimmune disease with normal circulating testosterone.
It has been proposed that the immunostimulatory hormone, prolactin, is associated with flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In autoimmune female NZB/NZW F1 (B/W) mice with accelerated lupus-like disease, hyperprolactinemia accelerated autoimmunity. The current study explored effects of moderate and severe hyperprolactinemia in male B/W mice, which have late-onset SLE. Autoimmune disease in B/W males was assessed by measurement of anti-DNA antibodies (anti-DNA), gp70-anti-gp70 immune complexes (gp70IC), IgM, IgG, and renal function. Serum testosterone concentrations were assayed serially. All mice were necropsied when moribund. Hyperprolactinemic B/W males were characterized by premature appearance of anti-DNA and gp70IC and elevation of IgM and IgG. Hyperprolactinemia accelerated mortality with vasculitis and renal disease compared to control mice. Serum testosterone concentrations were not suppressed. In male B/W mice, chronic hyperprolactinemia stimulated autoimmune disease activity; the deleterious effects of prolactin were not mediated through suppression of the immunoprotective hormone, testosterone. This observation supports the proposed association between elevated prolactin levels and exacerbations of SLE.
McMurray
R
R
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia.
Keisler
D
D
Izui
S
S
Walker
S E
SE
D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D001835:Body Weight; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000097:blood; D006400:Hematocrit; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000378:metabolism*; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D006023:Glycoproteins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; C033589:glycoprotein gp70, murine serum; D013739:Testosterone; D011388:Prolactin