Abstract
Immune system function was examined in the genetically epilepsy prone (GEPR-9) rat and non-epileptic Sprague-Dawley control rats. Significant decreases in direct and indirect plaque-forming cell responses were observed in GEPR-9 rats immunized with sheep erythrocytes. Serum levels of IgM were also decreased in non-immunized GEPR-9 rats, providing additional evidence of immunosuppression. However, total serum levels of IgG were three-fold greater in GEPR-9 rats compared to control. These results suggest that the nature of the immune system deficit in the GEPR-9 is complex and may involve an active T-cell population stimulating an overproduction of IgG leading to a diminished capacity to respond to new antigen challenges. This immunological defect may underlie the enhanced susceptibility of GEPR-9 rats to infectious agents. The specific cause of this immune dysfunction is not known. Possible etiological factors include a breakdown in the communication between cells within the immune system or an alteration of neuroendocrine modulation of immune responses.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1821-1826 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Life Sciences |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 19 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1991 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)