Figure 7
From: Differential Roles of Estrogen Receptors α and β in Control of B-Cell Maturation and Selection
ERα agonists trigger autoimmunity. (A) Serum anti-DNA antibody levels in R4A-Tg mice given ER agonists. E2, PPT, DPN or vehicle were administered to R4A-Tg mice for 6 wks. Serum was obtained at several time points and analyzed for anti-dsDNA antibody levels. Mice administered E2 and PPT exhibited increased titers of anti-dsDNA antibody compared with mice administered vehicle. (B) DNA-reactive B cells in R4A-Tg mice given ERα agonists. E2, PPT, DPN or vehicle were administered to R4A-Tg mice for 6 wks. Total splenic IgG2b-producing B cells and IgG2b B cells producing anti-dsDNA antibody were enumerated. The frequency of anti-dsDNA B cells among the IgG2b-producing cells was calculated as DNA spots/IgG2b spots. Both E2 and PPT administration led to an increased frequency of DNA-reactive B cells compared with vehicle.