Ly-2 super(+) T cell enlargement and null cell proliferation occur at the onset of splenomegaly and autoantibody production in New Zealand black mice

• Published in: The Journal of immunology (1950) Vol. 133; no. 6; pp. 3020 - 3025
• Main Authors: Manohar, V, Brown, E M, Leiserson, WM, Edison, L J, Chused, T M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.1984
• ISSN: 0022-1767

There was a slight increase in the ratio of Ly-2 super(-) to Ly-2 super(+) T cells. Splenomegaly was not detected until after 40 wk of age and was primarily due to an increase in the number of null cells. This change was accompanied by an increase in the size, as determined by narrow-angle forward light scatter, of the Ly-2 super(+) but not the Ly-2 super(-) T cells, an elevation of IgG-containing plasma cells, and the appearance of anti-erythrocyte autoantibody. The splenic B cell subset distribution and the enlargement of the Ly-2 super(+) T cells were reflected in the peripheral blood, whereas in the T cell subset ratio was not. Statistical associations were found between the ratios of T cell subsets, the enlargement of the Ly-2 super(+) T cells, and the increased number of null cells, suggesting a linkage among those late changes that immediately precede the development of overt autoimmune disease.