Immunology and Cell Biology · 1972 · 85 citations · 0 references
HistocompatibilityImmunohematologyLaboratory ImmunologyImmunodeficienciesImmunologyImmune RegulationImmunodominancePathologyImmune SystemImmunogeneticsIgm ResponseHematologyIgm Globulin LevelsImmunochemistryHealth SciencesAutoimmunitySelf-toleranceHumoral ImmunityImmune FunctionImmunologic DiseaseImmune Cell DevelopmentSpecific Iga DysgammaglobulinemiaImmunoglobulin EMedicine
Summary The antibody response of homozygous athymic nu/nu mice to heterologous erythrocytes is minimal or undetectable, in contrast to that of heterozygous nu/+ or inbred mice. The IgM response to Brucella is, however, normal to prolonged, whereas the IgG (2‐mercapto/ethanol resistant) response to Brucella is considerably depressed. Homozygous nude mice have a specific IgA dysgammaglobulinemia in that whereas only moderate or no reduction in IgG 1 , IgG 2 or IgM globulin levels was observed, only 5% of control serum IgA levels was found. This is not due to increased catabolism, as the rate of catabolism of an IgA myeloma was found to be lower in nude mice than in controls. The results suggest either an essential T cell co‐operation for expression of serum IgA, or that nude mice have another non‐immunologically mediated defect in IgA secretion.