Reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficient mice with spleen cells from autoimmune NZBxNZW F1 mice.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to establish an animal model to investigate the role of individual subsets of immune cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupes erythematosus.


METHODS
Spleen cells isolated with from both young and old autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were injected into the peritoneal cavity of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Sera anti-DNA antibody levels and proteinuria of these SCID mice were followed regularly. In addition, histological changes of the kidneys were also examined.


RESULTS
The data suggest that anti-ss, dsDNA antibody can be detected in the sera of SCID mice 21 days after reconstitution with the spleen cells of either young or old NZB/W F1 mice, with titers of antibody increasing over time. In addition, proteinuria was also noted in most of these mice 3 months after reconstitution. Histopathological examination of the kidney also revealed the typical changes of glomerulonephritis. Immunofluorescence staining of kidney sections also demonstrated immune complex deposition.


CONCLUSIONS
Once validated, this animal model could be used in future studies to investigate the role of individual subsets of cells in the pathogenic mechanisms of SLE.
Ye
Y L
YL
Graduate Institute of Immunology, National Taiwan University, Taipei R.O.C.
Chiang
B L
BL
D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology*; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008814:Mice, Inbred NZB; D016513:Mice, SCID / Q000276:immunology*; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear