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Published on: November 1, 2015
Asbestos-induced autoimmunity in C57BL/6 mice
Jean C Pfau1, Jami J Sentissi, Sheng'ai Li
1Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA. Jean.pfau@umontana.edu
Journal of Immunotoxicology
|June 24, 2008
Summary
Exposure to asbestos in mice induced autoantibodies and kidney damage, suggesting asbestos can cause autoimmune disease. This study offers a new model for investigating asbestos-related autoimmunity.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Environmental factors, like airborne silicates, are linked to autoimmunity.
- The exact mechanisms by which asbestos exposure triggers autoimmune responses remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if asbestos exposure can induce specific autoantibodies and pathological changes indicative of systemic autoimmune disease (SAID).
- To establish a murine model for studying asbestos-induced autoimmunity.
Main Methods:
- Female C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to amphibole asbestos (tremolite) or a control fiber (wollastonite) via intratracheal instillation.
- Serum and urine were monitored for autoantibodies and protein levels over 7 months.
- Kidney pathology and immune cell populations were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Asbestos-exposed mice showed a higher incidence of positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests, with patterns and specificities (anti-dsDNA, anti-SSA/Ro 52) linked to autoimmune disease.
- Kidney immune complex deposition and signs of glomerulonephritis were observed in asbestos-exposed mice.
- Alterations in T-suppressor and B1a B-cell populations were noted in lymph nodes.
Conclusions:
- Asbestos exposure can induce immunologic changes consistent with the development of autoimmunity in a murine model.
- This study provides a valuable model for further research into the mechanisms of asbestos-induced autoimmune diseases.
