ORAL-ADMINISTRATION OF LENS HOMOGENATE SUPPRESSES ANTIBODY-PRODUCTIONIN MICE INJECTED WITH BETA-CRYSTALLIN EMULSIFIED IN CFA

Auto-antibodies (Abs) against lens antigens (Ags) are present in most patients with age-related cataract, and with complement they kill lens epithelial cells (LECs) in vitro. We studied, in an animal model, whe ther cytotoxic Abs against lens Ags can be suppressed by oral administ ration of the Ags. Mice were fed calf lens homogenate, 4 mg/mouse, eve ry 4 days for 4-5 weeks, or bovine serum albumin (BSA) before and afte r immunization with beta-crystallins emulsified in complete Freund's a djuvant (CFA). Sera from these animals were analysed for Abs to beta-c rystallins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and protein bl ot analysis. In addition, we studied the proliferative response of T-l ymphocytes to beta-crystallins. The titer of anti-beta-crystallin Abs in the control animals fed BSA gradually increased to 1.5 x 10(-6) by the 5th week after the first injection. In contrast, the titer of anti -beta-crystallin Abs in animals fed calf lens homogenate was reduced t o 30-70% of the control. Feeding lens homogenate prior to or concomita nt with beta-crystallins immunization, was more effective than feeding after immunization (65% suppression vs. 30% suppression, respectively ). Also the proliferative response of T-lymphocytes to beta-crystallin s in mice fed homogenate was suppressed significantly. Thus, oral admi nistration of lens homogenate is a specific and nontoxic method of sup pressing anti-beta-crystallin Ab production in mice. We are exploring the therapeutic value of oral administration of lens proteins in age-r elated cataract. (C) 1997 Academic Press Limited.