Effect of concanavalin A on immunologic abnormalities of New Zealand (NZB/W) mice

The administration of concanavalin A (con A) to young New Zealand (NZB/W) mice has been found previously to render them tolerant to bovine γ globulin. The corresponding mechanism is unknown but is consistent with other observations that con A is capable of activating a suppressor T cell population. This possibility was further explored by giving New Zealand mice con A from 1 mth until 11 mth of age and monitoring several known immunologic abnormalities. Con A treated mice, in contrast to littermate controls, were found to have lower anti DNA levels, less proteinuria, a better response to primary sheep red cell immunization and normally rejected skin allografts.