Fig. 3

Effects of generalized immunosuppression on serological markers of autoimmunity. a Immunosuppression reduced hematocrit in comparison to vehicle-treated mice in all groups except 3xTg-AD males (WT males: p = .039; WT females: p = .035; 3xTg-AD females: p = .02). b CY-treated 3xTg-AD and WT mice were negative for serum anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), but distinct staining patterns were noted in Veh-treated animals. Most common was homogeneous staining of the cell nucleus (white arrows in top panel) and chromosomes (white arrowheads in top panel). Serum from some animals displayed distinct cytoplasmic (Golgi-like) staining (white arrows in middle panel) while others showed a nucleoli pattern (white arrows in lower panel). c CY exposure reduced anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) in the sera of all groups (Treatment: F_{1, 120} = 28.951, p < .001) and, in particular, in 3xTg-AD males (p < .001 vs. vehicle-treated 3xTg-AD males) and WT females (p < .001 vs. vehicle-treated WT females). d Although CY treatment reduced serum anti-Aβ₄₂ antibodies in all groups, the antibodies were elevated most strongly in the vehicle-treated WT female group. WT Veh males (n = 8–16), WT CY males (n = 11–20), 3xTg-AD Veh males (n = 7–13), 3xTg-AD CY males (n = 10–17), WT Veh females (n = 8–18), WT CY females (n = 10–21), 3xTg-AD Veh females (n = 6–13), 3xTg-AD CY females (n = 7–15). Overall group comparisons were carried out using three-way ANOVA (Genotype × Treatment × Sex) followed by post hoc t tests. Error bars = SEM, *p ≤ .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001, # = overall treatment effect, + = Genotype × Treatment × Sex interaction