Effect of androgen therapy on survival and suppressor cell activity in aged NZB/NZW F1 hybrid mice.

Male NZB/NZW F1 hybrid (B/W) mice survive their first year of life and die of lupus nephritis or lymphoid malignancy during the second year. Androgen therapy, even if delayed until 9 months of age, improves survival considerably. We report here that androgen therapy in aged B/W mice is associated with improved cell-mediated immune function as well as increased survival. Androgen treated mice have significantly augmented spleen cell responses to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and a decreased incidence of abnormal splenic suppressor activity. These results suggest that androgen may prolong survival in B/W mice in part through an effect on abnormally suppressive regulatory cells that impair T lymphocyte function.