Effect of castration and sex hormone treatment on survival, anti-nucleic acid antibodies, and glomerulonephritis in NZB/NZW F1 mice.

Abstract

NZB/NZW F1 mice of both sexes were castrated at 2 wk of age and implanted s.c. with silastic tubes containing 5-.alpha.-dihydrotestosterone or estradiol-17-.beta.. Mice receiving androgen showed improved survival, reduced anti-nucleic acid antibodies or less evidence of glomerulonephritis as determined by light, immunofluorescent and electron microscopy. By contrast, opposite effects were observed in castrated mice receiving estrogen. Intact male NZB/NZW F1 mice received androgen implants at 8 mo, an age when they develop an accelerated autoimmune disease associated with a decline in serum testosterone concentration. Such treated mice had improved survival and reduced concentrations of antibodies to DNA and to poly A. Prepubertal castration of male NZB/NZW F1 mice resulted in an earlier appearance of Ig[immunoglobulin]G antibodies to poly A. This effect of castration was prevented if neonatal thymectomy was also performed.