1989 Volume 32 Issue 7 Pages 517-523
We examined some immunological abnormalities in order to clarify the pathogenesis of WBN/Kob rats. In male rats, leukocytosis was observed at the age of 3 to 5 weeks and continued to be observed until 15 to 24 months of age. Leukocytosis however, was not observed in the female rat population. Regarding T cell subset, the absolute numbers of R1-3B3+ cells (pan T), OX19+cells (pan T), RTH-7+cells (helper/inducer T) and R1-10B5+ (suppressor/cytotoxic T), were significantly decreased in both male and female WBN/ Kob rats in comparison with Wistar rats. Although ICA was not detected, the sera of WBN/Kob rats revealed significantly higher titer of anti-insulin antibody in comparison with Wistar rats. In conclusion, leukocytosis. a remarkable T cell lymphopenia in the peripheral blood, and a higher titer of insulin antibody in the sera were observed in WBN/Kob rats. The relationship between these immunological abnormalities and the etiopathogenesis of endo-exocrine pancreatic impairment in this rat is unclear. Nevertheless, the new diabetic strain of WBN/Kob rats is valuable for studies on endo-exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
