(NZW x BXSB)F1 hybrid. A model of acute lupus and coronary vascular disease with myocardial infarction.

Both sexes of the (NZW x BXSB)F1 mice developed an early systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease. In males, the disease resembled that in the BXSB male parent and was not affected by sex hormonal manipulation. In females, the disease duplicated that of (NZB x NZW)F1 females by virtue of a delayed onset and estrogen dependence. Autoantibody production, circulating Ig-bound gp 70 immune complexes, and deposition of Ig and gp 70 in the affected glomeruli were demonstrated in both males and females. The abnormally high incidence of degenerative coronary vascular disease with myocardial infarction, particularly in these F1 males, provides a useful model for the investigation of a possible immunologic component in coronary vascular disease.