DIETARY RESTRICTIONS EARLY AND LATE - EFFECTS ON NEPHROPATHY OF NZBXNZW MOUSE

Abstract

NZB .times. NZW F1 mice initiated on caloric restriction at weaning or at 4-5 mo. of age or initiated on moderate protein restriction at weaning, were afforded protection from the development of immune nephritis. Animals on normal calorie intake demonstrated deposition of immune reactants in a glomerular basement membrane-oriented pattern; those on protein or caloric restriction exhibited mesangial confinement of immunoglobulins and complement. Associated with these divergent patterns of immune deposition, mice on normal calorie intake evidenced extensive cellular proliferation and glomerular sclerosis while dietary restricted mice demonstrated virtually no hyalinization and only mild cellular proliferation. Autoantibody formation of caloric-restricted animals was significantly decreased compared to mice fed a normal diet. Thus, moderate dietary restriction may serve as either a prophylactic or effective therapeutic approach to ongoing autoimmune disease.