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 inv estigate the role of individual subsets of immune cells in the pathoge nesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods Spleen cells isolated f rom both young and old autoimmune NZB/W F1 mice were injected into the peritoneal cavity of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Ser a anti-DNA antibody levels and proteinuria of these SCID mice were fol lowed 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 Fl mice, with titer s of antibody increasing over time. In addition, proteinuria was also noted in most of these mice 3 months after reconstitution. Histopathol ogical examination of the kidney also revealed the typical changes of glomerulonephritis. Immunofluorescence staining of kidney sections als o demonstrated immune complex deposition. Conclusion Once validated, t his animal model could be used in future studies to investigate the ro le of individual subsets of cells in the pathogenic mechanisms of SLE.