Reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficient mice with spleen cells from autoimmune NZBxNZW F1 mice.

ABSTRACT

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. CONCLUSION: 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.