Establishment of SLE Mouse Model by IMQ based on Balb/c Mice

Catalog Number: CT0001

Model Name: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Animal Strains: BALB/C Mice

Model Description

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disease that affects multiple systems, characterized primarily by the formation of autoantibodies and renal lesions. Currently, its etiology and pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated, making the establishment of SLE mouse models significant for exploring the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of human SLE. SLE mice can be used for studies on organ injury, as well as in immunology, inflammation, and autoimmune research.

Modeling Methods

6-8 week old female BALB/c mice are subjected to multiple applications of imiquimod (IMQ) on the ear to induce systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The treatment group is concurrently administered prednisone. During the experiment, the growth status and body weight of the mice are regularly monitored. Peripheral blood and urine samples are collected to assess serum autoantibodies (such as anti-dsDNA) and urinary protein levels.

Applications

• Research on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
• Research related to Immunology and Inflammation.

Validation Data

1. Body weight change curve and animal clinical phenotype

Figure 1. Body weight change curve and animal clinical phenotype. The results show that (a) the body weight of mice in the Control group significantly increased compared to the Model group starting from week 5 until the end of the experiment. The body weight change in the Treatment group was significantly lower than that of the Model group starting from week 2 until the end of the experiment. (b) At the experimental endpoint, compared to the Control group, the Model group mice exhibited messy fur and a distended abdomen, while the Treatment group mice appeared smaller in size. Compared with the Model group, *, P < 0.05; **, P<0.01;***, P < 0.001.

2. Serum anti-dsDNA detection and urinary protein detection

Figure 2. Serum anti-dsDNA detection and urinary protein detection in animals. The results show that (a) compared to the Control group, the serum anti-dsDNA levels in the Model group were significantly elevated from weeks 2 to 8. And, the serum anti-dsDNA levels in the Treatment group were significantly lower than the Model group. (b) Compared to the Control group, the urinary protein/creatinine ratio in the Model group was significantly increased at weeks 6 and 8; however, the urinary protein/creatinine ratio in the Treatment group significantly decreased compared to the Model group. Compared with the Model group, *, P < 0.05; **, P<0.01;***, P < 0.001.

3. Organ coefficient

Figure 3. Organ coefficients in animals. The results show that (a-c) compared to the Control group, the spleen and kidneys in the Model group were enlarged, and the organ coefficients were significantly increased. In contrast, the organ coefficients of the spleen and kidneys in the Treatment group were significantly reduced compared to the Model group. Compared with the Model group, *, P < 0.05; **, P<0.01;***, P < 0.001.

4. Renal pathology

Figure 4. Renal pathology. The results indicate that (a) in the Control group: there was mild degeneration of the renal tubules, with no other significant abnormalities observed. In the Model group: glomerulosclerosis (black arrows), formation of fibrous crescents within Bowman's capsule (yellow arrows); degeneration of renal tubules (blue arrows), and protein casts (green arrows); interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration (red arrows), accompanied by fibrosis; congestion of renal tubules and interstitial hemorrhage (pink arrows). In the Treatment group: there was thickening of the mesangium in the glomeruli and mild degeneration of the renal tubules (blue arrows); thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (black arrows). (b) IHC analysis showed deposition of Mouse IgG in the mesangium of the glomeruli, renal interstitium, and renal tubules (brown).

Notes

*The data presented in this manual were obtained under internal facility conditions at Cyagen and are for reference only. The specific disease conditions in mice should be based on actual observations, and usage should be adjusted according to the actual circumstances.