Development of autoantibody responses in NC/Nga mice: its prevention by pulverized konjac glucomannan feeding

Arch Dermatol Res. 2008 Feb;300(2):95-9. doi: 10.1007/s00403-007-0795-0. Epub 2007 Oct 16.

Abstract

Dietary pulverized konjac glucomannan (PKGM) suppresses the development of eczema in NC/Nga mice, a model of atopic dermatitis (AD). Although NC/Nga mice were originally recognized as an autoimmune disease model, recent studies on their autoimmunity are still poorly performed. Here, we show that cervical lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and increases in plasma levels of anti-dsDNA, rheumatoid factor IgG autoantibodies, and B cell-activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) were co-elicited in eczematous NC/Nga mice; however, these symptoms were all prevented in PKGM-fed mice. Our results imply the possible involvement of autoimmunity on the pathogenesis of dermatitis and hyper-IgE syndrome in NC/Nga mice. PKGM might be effective in preventing autoimmune responses in AD.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Amorphophallus*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / blood*
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear / immunology
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / blood
  • B-Cell Activating Factor / immunology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / blood
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / immunology*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / physiopathology
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / prevention & control*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Diseases / immunology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Mannans / administration & dosage*
  • Mice
  • Rheumatoid Factor / blood
  • Rheumatoid Factor / immunology
  • Splenomegaly / immunology
  • Splenomegaly / prevention & control

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • B-Cell Activating Factor
  • Mannans
  • Tnfsf13b protein, mouse
  • (1-6)-alpha-glucomannan
  • Rheumatoid Factor