Immune complex mediated cardiac lesions in rats
Nagal, V.; Ganguly, N.K.; Chakravarti, R.N.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 79: 250-259
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 6746042 Document Number: 232526
The effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA), its antibody and preformed immune complexes (BSA-anti BSA) on the production of cardiac and renal lesions in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats have been studied. Following high fat diet for a period of 1 mo. significant hypercholesterolemia was produced. Hyperlipemic rats given immune complex injections showed precipitation lines against antigen and antibody in most of the rats. The percentage binding of circulating immune complexes was of a moderate order and varied from 4 to 10%. The complement pool size was greatly reduced. Various degrees of myocardial degeneration were seen among hypercholesterolemic rats given immune complexes. One animal of this group had extensive aortitis. Microscopic examination of kidneys revealed morphological features of immune complex glomerulonephritis in both normal and hyperlipemic rats.