Genetic and cellular control of spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis in OS chickens

B-locus genotypes have been defined in Obese strain (OS) chickens that spontaneously develop autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT), and in White Leghorn Cornell C strain (CS) chickens from which the OS was selected. The B-locus influences SAT, and some possible mechanisms are discussed. Thymic abnormalities in OS, as contrasted with CB birds, are also discussed and may play a role in SAT, as may an intrinsic defect in the thyroid gland itself.

Therapeutic trials with levamisole and other agents in NZB/W mice

The effects of levamisole, ribovirin, and cyclophosphamide in preventing the spontaneous autoimmune disease of NZB/W mice have been evaluated. These drugs all had a significant effect, both in delaying mortality, and in postponing the development of antinuclear antibodies and proteinuria. Single-stranded DNA linked to IgG was also used but had no demonstrable effect. The results of therapeutic studies in murine lupus must be interpreted with caution in relation to the human disease, but as both levamisole and ribovirin are now being used in man, our results suggest that further studies with these drugs are warranted.

An NZB virus or NZB mice with viral infections?

Evidence for and against the possibility that the autoimmune disease of NZB mice has a viral aetiology is presented. It is considered that the case for a viral aetiology is unproven, although the possibility exists that virus may be present in incomplete form. Widely varying experimental results can be expected in experiments involving NZB mice until acceptable standards of mouse strain definition are laid down. Thus the comparison of results obtained from studies of NZB mice of diverse origin may invite misleading conclusions.

Detection of antiplatelet antibody in serum and on megakaryocytes of dogs with autoimmune thrombocytopenia

Blood and bone marrow samples from 13 thrombocytopenic dogs were examined to determine whether immunologic thrombocytopenia existed. Antiplatelet antibody was detected in serum of 8 of the dogs by platelet factor 3 test or its modification. Moderate to strong immunofluorescence of megakaryocytes was noticed in bone marrow smears stained with rabbit anticanine globulin conjugated with fluorescin isothiocyanate. Negative results were obtained with serum and bone marrow samples collected from 6 of the dogs during therapy for autoimmune thrombocytopenia. Clinical and laboratory findings varied in individual patients with circulating antiplatelet antibodies. Thrombocytopenia was present in all the dogs, with platelet counts ranging from less than 3,000 to 20,000/mu1 of blood. Signs of bleeding in tissues and body cavities were present in all dogs, but anemia was evidenced in only 3 dogs. Differential leukocyte counts were variable. Morphologic abnormalities such as vacuolation and reduced or absence of granulation of the cytoplasm and nuclear fragmentation were seen in some megakaryocytes.

Spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis in the BUF rat

The inbred BUF rat develops autoimmune thyroiditis spontaneously. The incidence is related to the age of the animal and is increased by neonatal thymectomy and by treatment with methylcholanthrene. Autoantibodies to thyroglobulin can be demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence and hemagglutination, but skin tests are negative. The "spontaneous" autoimmune disease may be due to the conjunction of an unusually vigorous immunological response to thyroglobulin and the loss of thymic suppressor function.