The lymphoproliferating cells of MRL‐lpr/lpr mice are a polyclonal population that bear the T lymphocyte receptor for antigen

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Abstract
Mice bearing the recessive gene Ipr develop an age‐dependent, massive lymphoproliferation, primarily in the lymph nodes (LN), with associated autoimmunity. LN cells from these mice express T cell receptor protein on the cell surface at 50–70% of normal levels. Normal levels of T cell receptor α, β and γ mRNA were found in these cells as compared to normal LN cells. Southern blot analysis of MRL‐lpr/lpr LN DNA showed rearrangements in 80–90% of the chromosomes at the β gene loci. The pattern of rearrangement indicated that a polyclonal rather than monoclonal expansion of T cells occurred. These data support a lymphokine‐induction model of lymphoproliferation in MRL‐lpr mice.