Immunoregulation in new zealand mice

Abstract

Young, syngeneic thymocytes and spleen cells were administered to F₁ hybrids of New Zealand Black by New Zealand White (NZB/W) mice beginning at 3 weeks of age and were continued at 2-week intervals for 8 to 9 months. The development of autoimmunity as assessed by measuring the incidence and level of anti-DNA antibody, the degree of renal involvement, and the survival of recipient mice was evaluated and compared to a control group of animals. No significant differences were noted in these parameters in mice receiving cell transfers as compared to the control group. Therefore, in contrast to other reports, these results suggest that the transfer of young thymus or spleen cells into aging NZB/W mice fails to influence immunoregulation and the subsequent development of autoimmunity.