New model of transient strain-dependent autoimmune thrombocytopenia in mice immunized with rat platelets.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to develop a new experimental model of antiplatelet autoimmune disease in the mouse.


METHODS
Mice were immunized with rat platelets. Anti-mouse platelet autoantibody responses were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blots, and flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Immunization of CBA/Ht mice with rat platelets was followed by a transient thrombocytopenia. Platelets were opsonized by autoantibodies that recognized both rat and mouse normal platelets and (then) destroyed by phagocytosis. Absorption experiments indicated that these autoantibodies reacted with epitope(s) shared by rat and mouse platelets. In contrast, BALB/C mice similarly immunized with rat platelets did not develop thrombocytopenia. The ability of BALB/C mice to produce anti-rat platelet antibodies and to eliminate antibody-coated platelets was comparable with that of CBA/Ht animals. However, the specificity of the antibody response elicited in these two mouse strains differed markedly, with a 145- to 155-kDa mouse platelet antigen corresponding to platelet glycoprotein Ib recognized in CBA/Ht, but not in BALB/C, animals.


CONCLUSIONS
This immunization protocol may serve as a model of antiplatelet autoimmune response, especially of posttransfusion purpura.
Musaji
Andrei
A
Unit of Experimental Medicine, Université Catholique de Louvain and Christian de Duve Institute for Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Brussels, Belgium.
Vanhoorelbeke
Karen
K
Deckmyn
Hans
H
Coutelier
Jean-Paul
JP
D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D007114:Immunization; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000209:etiology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013045:Species Specificity
D001323:Autoantibodies