The Natural History of the NZB/NZW F1 Hybrid Mouse: A Laboratory Model of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

SUMMARY In confirmation of the work of Helyer and Howie, the F1 hybrids of NZB and NZW mice have shown a uniquely high incidence of kidney disease with a general resemblance to human systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis. All females died within one year, and amongst males the incidence was almost as high, but a proportion survived for long periods. The form of the mortality curve is an exceptional one. Other features of interest to human medicine are the common occurrence of polyarteritis and of relatively massive thoracic or abdominal hæmorrhages. Serological studies indicated a late and irregular development of Coombs reactivity but a high proportion of positive results to tests for antinuclear factor. Lesions of the thymus were conspicuously larger than those in NZB mice and differed in histological structure.