Kimura M, Tanaka S, Isoda F, Sekigawa K, Yamakawa T, Sekihara H. T lymphopenia in obese diabetic (db/db) mice is non-selective and thymus independent.
Life Sci 1998;
62:1243-50. [PMID:
9570339 DOI:
10.1016/s0024-3205(98)00054-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although C57BL/KsJ db/db mice, an animal model of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), develop T lymphopenia in association with the progression of NIDDM, the T lymphopenia has not been fully investigated. In this study, to elucidate how and why T lymphopenia develops in db/db mice, T-lymphocyte subsets in spleen and thymus were longitudinally examined by flow cytometry and the effects of thymectomy and dietary restriction on the development of T lymphopenia were evaluated. After 8 weeks of age, when obese diabetes progresses, T lymphopenia in both spleen and thymus developed and all T-lymphocyte subsets examined were similarly reduced compared to lean (-/X) littermates, indicating non-selective T lymphopenia in db/db mice. Thymectomy performed at 5 wk of age, when neither T lymphopenia nor NIDDM yet presents, had no significant effect on the development of T lymphopenia. Furthermore, pair feeding until 30 weeks of age produced normal body weight and normoglycemia with still marked hyperinsulinemia, but failed to correct T lymphopenia in db/db mice. In conclusion, our results suggest that T lymphopenia may develop non-selectively and independently of either thymic dysfunction or obese diabetes in db/db mice.
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