EFFECT OF PROSTAGLANDIN-E ON IMMUNE-COMPLEX NEPHRITIS IN NZB-W MICE

Abstract

Pharmacologic quantities of prostaglandin [PG] altered the immune complex nephritis of NZB/W mice. To study the mechanism of this change, NZB/W mice received 200 .mu.g of PGE1 or PGE2 twice daily starting at 2, 4 or 6 mo. of age. Mice were sacrificed at bimonthly intervals, renal function and serologic parameters were evaluated and renal tissue was examined by light, fluorescence and electron microscopy. Therapy decreased the incidence of proteinuria, lessened renal pathology and prolonged survival. Maximal beneficial effects occurred when treatment began at 2 mo. of age. The most striking change was a decrease in rate of immune complexes depositing in the mesangium and their absence from peripheral loops. Accompanying this change was a reduction in glomerular hypercellularity and decrease in renal perivascular and interstitial mononuclear infiltrates. Treatment did not alter serum levels of immunoglobulins, antinuclear antibodies and antisingle or double-stranded DNA. PGE is apparently capable of prolonging survival in NZB/W mice by decreasing the rate of immune complexes depositing in glomeruli.