Relationship of glomerular phagocytic cells to immune complexes and DNA autoantibodies in NZB/W mice

Systematic study of groups of NZB/W mice aged from 1-8 mth showed progressive development of antibodies to ssDNA and dsDNA, accompanied at 5 mth by the appearance of serum immune complexes as detected by Clq liquid phase binding and immune deposits in glomeruli. Cellular outgrowths in cultures of isolated glomeruli showed increased numbers of phagocytic cells as well as epithelial and mesangial cells, reaching a maximum in mice aged 7 mth. These numbers exceeded those found in control CBA mice and, while consistent with the hypothesis that phagocytic cells are involved in the processing of immune complexes lodged in the glomeruli, also reflected the hypercellularity of the glomerular lesions.