Deposition of immune complexes in ovarian follicles of mice with lupus-like syndrome.

The occurrence of immune deposits in the ovaries of mice with lupus-like syndrome was studied by immunofluorescence, light microscopy, and electron microscopy. Granular deposits of mouse IgG and C3, and occasionally gp70 and denatured DNA, were found in the zona pellucida of mature and atretic follicles. Dense deposits of foreign material were seen by light and electron microscopy in areas of ZP corresponding to the immune deposits. These lesions, presumably induced by immune complexes, resemble the "membranous" changes observed in the glomerular basement membrane in some of the same mice. Inflammatory changes of the ovarian follicles were not observed. The study of "membranous" immune complex oophoritis could contribute to the understanding of immunologic mechanisms of the female reproductive system.