IgA-gliadin antibodies, IgA-containing circulating immune complexes, and IgA glomerular deposits in wasting marmoset syndrome

Background. Marmosets in captivity are highly susceptible to wasting marmos et syndrome (WMS), the aetiology of which is still not fully determined. Methods. The level of IgA-gliadin antibodies (IgA-AGA), of IgA-containing c irculating immune complexes (IgA-CIC), and the degree of glomerular IgA dep osits were compared between marmosets suffering from WMS and animals not af fected by the disorder. Results. Both IgA-AGA and IgA-CIC, were demonstrable in all groups of monke ys investigated. IgA-AGA and IgA-CIC were significantly higher in monkeys w ith WMS than in non-affected animals. There was a significant correlation b etween the glomerular IgA-deposition and titre of IgA-AGA. The group of mar mosets strongly positive for glomerular IgA deposits comprised significantl y more animals suffering from WMS than the group without deposits. In the d iet of the animals a considerable amount of gliadin-like cereal proteins wa s assayed. Conclusions. There are several parallels between the human disorders (coeli ac disease and IgA-nephropathy/Berger's disease) and the changes observed i n WMS. It should be further investigated if WMS in marmosets is a suitable animal model for both human diseases.