Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in NZB/Bl Mice Treated with the Corticosteroid Drug Betamethasone

Abstract

Abstract A controlled therapeutic trial of the corticosteroid drug betamethasone phosphate in the autoimmune hemolytic anemia of the NZB/Bl inbred strain of mice is described. In the treated group, in contrast to the controls, anemia was improved, positive Coombs tests became weaker or negative and there was a fall in titer of circulating antibody. The similarity of this disease in the mouse and in man is discussed. It is concluded that the NZB/Bl mice will prove useful in investigating the effectiveness and mode of action of therapeutic agents in autoimmune hemolytic anemia.