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Immune complex vasculitis with secondary ulcerative dermatitis in aged C57BL/6NNia mice
A G Andrews1, R C Dysko, S C Spilman
1Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.
Veterinary Pathology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
A spontaneous ulcerative dermatitis in aged C57BL/6 mice is caused by immune complex-induced vasculitis. This finding is significant for understanding the disease
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Aged C57BL/6 mice from the National Institute of Aging spontaneously developed pruritic ulcerative dermatitis.
- Lesions ranged from acute excoriation to chronic ulceration with dermal fibrosis.
- Affected mice were negative for ectoparasites and primary infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenesis of spontaneous ulcerative dermatitis in aged C57BL/6 mice.
- To determine if the condition is linked to vasculitis.
- To assess the potential of this mouse model for studying human vasculitides.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of skin lesions.
- Immunofluorescence staining for immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and fibrinogen in dermal vessels.
- Comparison between affected mice and unaffected controls.
Main Results:
- Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was observed in the dermis of affected mice, irrespective of epidermal integrity.
- Immunofluorescence confirmed deposition of IgG, IgM, and fibrinogen in dermal vessels of affected animals.
- Control animals showed no vasculitis or immune deposits in the skin.
Conclusions:
- The ulcerative dermatitis in aged C57BL/6 mice is strongly associated with immune complex-induced leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
- This mouse model offers a valuable platform for studying the pathogenesis of human vasculitides.
- Understanding this condition is crucial due to its prevalence in the mouse model.