Effect of aging on experimental autoimmune prostatitis: differential kinetics of development

Clin Immunol Immunopathol. 1998 Jun;87(3):256-65. doi: 10.1006/clin.1998.4534.

Abstract

We have studied the influence of aging on the kinetics of autoimmune response in Experimental Autoimmune Prostatis (EAP). EAP was induced in 3- and 12-month-old Wistar rats by i.d. immunization with a saline extract of rat male sex accessory glands (RAG), chemically modified, and emulsioned in CFA. After immunization, 12-month-old rats developed a faster and stronger specific DTH response against RAG and mononuclear infiltration in the prostate. The levels of total IgM and IgG against RAG were lower in 12-month-old rats than in 3-month-old rats, with a prevalence of IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG2c subclasses in both ages. Immunization stimulated slightly the appearance of specific IgG1 to RAG only in 3-month-old rats but in 12-month-old rats there was no specific IgG1 to RAG. On the other hand, normal 12-month-old rats showed higher levels of some natural antibodies and their thymocytes and peripheral lymphocytes had a diminished proliferative capacity compared to 3-month-old rats. These data demonstrated that 12-month-old rats show parameters of an aged immune system and present an exacerbated autoimmune prostatitis compared with 3-month-old rats.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • Genitalia, Male / immunology
  • Immunity, Cellular / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulin M / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Male
  • Prostatitis / etiology
  • Prostatitis / immunology*
  • Prostatitis / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M