Immunosuppression by Cyclophosphamide in NZB X NZW Mice With Lupus Nephritis

Abstract

Abstract Long-term administration of cyclophosphamide to groups of young and old NZB X NZW hybrid mice in controlled therapeutic trials showed: 1. decreased antinuclear autoantibody production as judged by LE cell and latex nucleoprotein tests, 2. marked benefit to lupus nephritis lesions, and 3. no carcinogenic effects. Attention is drawn to the prospect of using these mice to study the carcinogenic effects of antimitotic drugs with particular reference to the effects of such drugs on immune mechanisms.