Supplementation of heterologous complement induces anti-thy-1.1 nephritis in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

• Published in: Journal of Veterinary Medical Science Vol. 64; no. 6; pp. 463 - 467
• Main Authors: Shichinohe, K. (Nippon Medical School, Tokyo (Japan)), Shimizu Suganuma, M, Ghazizadeh, M, Ishizaki, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan JAPANESE SOCIETY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE 01.06.2002; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Animals; ANTIGENS; CD90 antigen; complement; COMPLEMENT (BLOOD); Complement System Proteins - pharmacology; Disease Models, Animal; Erythrocytes; Fibrin; Gerbillinae - immunology; GERBILS; Glomerulonephritis; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative - immunology; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative - pathology; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative - veterinary; Guinea Pigs; Hemolysis; Immunohistochemistry - veterinary; Injection; Kidney - pathology; Kidneys; Male; Mesangial cells; Microscopy, Electron - veterinary; Mongolian gerbil; NEPHRITIS; Neurodegeneration; Proteinuria; Rabbits; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Supplements; Thy-1 Antigens - immunology; Thy-1.1 antigen; Thymocytes
• ISSN: 0916-7250; 1347-7439
• DOI: 10.1292/jvms.64.463

Anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis in the rat is a popular experimental model for mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN). This model is characterized by direct binding of anti-Thy-1.1 antibody with Thy-1.1 antigen expressed on mesangial cells (MCs) of glomeruli in the rat. A single injection of anti-rat thymocyte serum (ARTS) results in GN with proteinuria and extensive mesangiolysis. Development of mesangiolysis and proteinuria are complement-dependent. We previously demonstrated Thy-1.1 antigen, similar to the rat, in thymocytes, brain cells and MCs of the kidney in the Mongolian gerbil (MG). In this study, we attempted to develop a MG nephritis model, but an injection of ARTS did not induce GN. An additional injection of guinea pig serum as a complement after ARTS injection resulted in anti-Thy-l.l nephritis in MG. Degeneration of MCs and neutrophil infiltration were observed 1 hr after GP serum injection. Mesangiolysis and fibrin exudation occurred 12 hr after the injection and MC proliferation was apparent 7 days after the injection. In the complement-dependent hemolytic test, MG serum could not hemolyze sheep erythrocytes. These results suggested low activity, or depletion of some factors, in complements of MG serum.