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Immunologic alterations in MRL/lpr mice after chronic dimethyl sulfoxide administration
A J Wysenbeek1, S Lourie, A Weinberger
1Rheumatology Unit, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
International Journal of Immunopharmacology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) administration to MRL/lpr mice increased their immune response to IL-2 and IL-2 production. This treatment also suppressed T-cell help and reduced anti-DNA antibodies, suggesting potential clinical implications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- MRL/lpr mice are a model for systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a solvent with potential immunomodulatory effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) administration on the immune system of MRL/lpr mice.
Main Methods:
- MRL/lpr mice were administered 1% or 2% DMSO in drinking water.
- Immune responses, including IL-2 production and response to IL-2, were measured.
- T-cell function (Con A stimulated cells) and anti-DNA antibody levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- DMSO treatment significantly increased response to exogenous IL-2 (78%) and IL-2 production (64%).
- DMSO suppressed the net T-cell help effect from 82% to 26%.
- Anti-DNA antibody levels decreased from 29.0% to 13.2% after DMSO treatment.
Conclusions:
- Chronic DMSO administration induces significant immunologic alterations in MRL/lpr mice.
- These alterations include enhanced IL-2 pathways, suppressed T-cell help, and reduced autoantibodies.
- The findings suggest potential clinical implications for DMSO in autoimmune disease models.