title: Predictive testing for pathogenic autoimmunity: the morphological approach.
abstract: The term autoimmunity refers to physiologically normal immune processes against self-antigens. In rare cases, the regulatory mechanisms become deflective and the uncontrolled production of autoantibodies or activation of autoreactive T-cells can subsequently cause disease. Substances may be capable of evoking autoimmune disease, and it is a challenge in routine toxicology to recognize such substances. In in vivo toxicity studies, uncommon inflammation in exposed animals should be discussed in terms of non-immune toxicity (e.g. irritation), infection, allergy and autoimmunity, taking into account that a response in even a few animals may be significant. Moreover, early morphological indicators of inflammation and lymphoid organ alterations can direct further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Toxicology, Division of Toxicology, TNO Nutrition and Food Research, 3700 AJ, Zeist, The Netherlands. kuper@voedint.tno.nl
authors.forename: C F
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Kuper
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schuurman
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bos-Kuijpers
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bloksma
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests