Effect of altered lymphocyte function on immunologic disorders in nzb/nzw mice

Abstract

NZB/NZW F, female mice were treated with the immunosuppressive enzyme L-asparaginase ( Asnase) for up to 32 weeks. Asnase diminished circulating anti-DNA and antinuclear antibodies, diminished deposition of yglobulins in kidneys, significantly delayed the onset of proteinuria, and reduced deaths from nephritis. These effects were associated with reduction of cellular IgM antibody synthesis to both T-dependent and T-independent antigens, but the graft-versus-host reaction was not affected. After several weeks of therapy, antibodies against Asnase appeared in the circulation, the effect od antibody synthesis was lost, ANA and anti-DNA appeared, followed by proteinuria and deaths from nephritis. Therefore Asnase proved to be an effective therapy in NZB/NZW mice, but its usefulness was limited by the appearance of inactivating antibodies. NZB/NZW F, mice develop lethal immune complex glomerulonephritis accompanied by antibodies to