Effect of the BXSB Y chromosome accelerating gene on autoantibody production

The Y chromosome of the BXSB mouse is able to accelerate and adversely alter the autoimmune disease of inbred BXSB mice and in male F1 hybrids. In order to further study the effects of the BXSB Y chromosome, we developed three inbred congenic strains, each bearing the BXSB Y: CBA/J.BXSB-Y, NZW.BXSB-Y, and NZB.BXSB-Y. The BXSB Y did not induce anti-DNA or anti-red blood cell (RBC) autoantibodies in either CBA/J or NZW congenic strains. Thus, it is an accelerating rather than an inducing factor. NZB.BXSB-Y congenic mice had accelerated anti-RBC but not anti-DNA. Studies of recombinant inbred by BXSB F1 mice indicated that the BXSB Y did not act to promote the activity of the NZB gene underlying anti-DNA. These and studies of (BXSB X NZB.BXSB-Y) F1 mice suggested that BXSB autosomal genes are required for the full anti-DNA accelerating activity of the BXSB Y. These mice provide a basis for future molecular genetic studies of the BXSB Y.