5-azacytidine treatment induces autoimmune vitiligo in parental control strains of the Smyth line chicken model for autoimmune vitiligo.
The effect of 5-Azacytidine (5-AzaC) on melanization was examined in two sublines of the Smyth line (SL) chicken model for autoimmune vitiligo, in two MHC-matched vitiligo-susceptible but normally pigmented controls (BL), and in nonsusceptible controls (LBL). 5-AzaC was administered ip every 3 days from day of hatch to 18 weeks at levels of 1 or 3 mg/kg body wt. Both treatments increased (P < 0.01) the incidence of autoimmune vitiligo in BL controls. In contrast, treatment significantly depressed (P < 0.01) the expected high incidence of vitiligo in one SL subline, but not in the other. There were no apparent pigmentation changes in 5-AzaC-treated LBL controls. 5-AzaC had dose-dependent depressing effects (P < 0.01) on body and lymphoid organ weights. Histological and mitogen assay data suggest negative effects on lymphocyte number and function. The data show that 5-AzaC can initiate autoimmune disease in genetically susceptible but phenotypically normal individuals.
Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA.
G P
GP
Sreekumar
G F
GF
Erf
J R
JR
Smyth
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001374:Azacitidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001835:Body Weight; D002645:Chickens / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D005241:Feathers / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000196:embryology; D015994:Incidence; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009929:Organ Size; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*
D001374:Azacitidine