Observations on the immunomodulator NPT 15392 in New Zealand Black mice

NPT 15392, an experimental drug with immunomodulatory activities, was administered to New Zealand Black (NZB) mice over an extended period of time. Anti-erythrocyte antibody levels and spleen weights increased with age in NZB mice, while hematocrits (Hct) declined slightly. In addition, both antierythrocyte antibody and spleen weights were negatively correlated with Hct (-0.545 and -0.848, respectively). NPT 15392 therapy retarded the development of anti-erythrocyte antibody in young mice (11 weeks old), and reduced the levels of this autoantibody in 38 week old animals. The slight improvement in the index of anemia in the older treated mice was also accompanied by a substantially lower spleen weight. No significant effect of NPT 15392 therapy was observed on Hct levels. These results indicate that NPT 15392 has a modifying effect on the evolution of the autoimmune process in this strain of mouse.