Effect of the anti-estrogen, Nafoxidine, on NZB/W autoimmune disease.

Treatment of female NZB/W F1 mice with Nafoxidine, an anti-estrogen, led to delayed manifestation of autoimmune features. Such treated mice had reduced anti-DNA antibodies, reduced proteinuria, and improved survival. These results support the hypothesis that sex hormones play an important role in the expression of autoimmunity and suggest that estrogens may accelerate autoimmunity in NZB/W F1 mice.