Effect of Con A on Tolerance to BGG in NZB/W Mice

Abstract

Summary

NZB/W mice 4 weeks or older are not easily made tolerant by ultracentrifuged BGG. Younger mice can be made tolerant, but they escape rapidly. Recent studies have suggested a loss of regulatory or suppressor cells in the pathogenesis of immunologic abnormalities early in life in NZB/W mice. Several reports indicate that Concanavalin A (Con A) is capable of activating suppressor cells in normal mice. We found that Con A could prolong the period of tolerance in NZB/W mice when ultracentrifuged BGG was given at 20 days of age. NZB/W mice given ultracentrifuged BGG at 4 weeks of age were not tolerant to subsequent challenge with BGG in adjuvant unless they also received Con A. These studies are compatable with the hypothesis that Con A activates suppressor cell activity which is deficient in NZB/W mice. Alternative explanations of these phenomena are discussed.