Human complement receptors type 1 (hCR1;CD35) and type 2 (hCR2;CD21) are expressed on B lymphocytes at specific stages during differentiation and activation. These receptors play critical roles in the immune response to T-dependent Ags in addition to germinal center formation. Expression of both hCR2 and hCR1 is decreased on B lymphocytes of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We have studied the expression of mouse CR2 and CR1 on normal populations of mouse B lymphocytes in BALB/c mice. Our results demonstrate that expression of these receptors in the normal state closely parallels that of hCR2. During bone marrow development, expression is first detected on low B220/high IgM cells, demonstrating that complement receptors appear after central tolerance mechanisms are completed. In the splenic microenvironment the highest levels of receptor expression are found on marginal zone B lymphocytes. Mouse CR2 and CR1 are also found on peritoneal B1a and B1b cells in addition to IgA+ Peyer's patch B cells. Activation of splenic B cells under Th2 conditions results in a marked decrease in receptor expression. To determine whether the patterns of receptor expression also parallel those found in human disease, we studied the MRL lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) model of SLE. Interestingly, we found an early decrease in complement receptor expression that is progressive and first detectable before major clinical manifestations of nephritis. We hypothesize that the early decrease in complement receptor expression such as that demonstrated by MRL/lpr mice plays an important role in the pathogenesis of murine and perhaps human SLE.