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| Cytokine Regulation of a Rodent Model of Mercuric Chloride-Induced Autoimmunity Lee M. Bagenstose, Padmini Salgame, and Marc Monestier Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA Abstract
Experimental models of chemically induced autoimmunity have contributed to our understanding of the development of autoimmune diseases in humans. Heavy metals such as mercury induce a dramatic activation of the immune system and autoantibody production in genetically susceptible rats and mice. This autoimmune syndrome is dependent on T cells, which are important for B-cell activation and cytokine secretion. Several studies have focused on the roles of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells and their respective cytokines in the pathogenesis of mercury-induced disease. This article reviews recent studies that have examined the patterns of cytokine gene expression and where investigators have manipulated the Th1 and Th2 responses that occur during mercury-induced autoimmunity. Finally, we will discuss some biochemical/molecular mechanisms by which heavy metals may induce cytokine gene expression. Key words: autoimmunity, cytokines, mercury, rodent models, T cells. -- Environ Health Perspect 107(suppl 5) :807-810 (1999) . http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1999/suppl-5/807-810bagenstose/abstract.html
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