Ten stocks and strains of genetically nonhaired mice were evaluated for the ability to respond to two mitogens (concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide) and to two antigens (sheep erythrocytes and pneumococcal polysaccharide, type III). The numbers of T and B lymphocytes in the thymus, spleen and pooled lymph nodes of individual animals were determined using immunofluorescent techniques; the values for each group of animals were found to be comparable. The antibody-forming ability was evaluated by determining the number of plaque-forming cells in the spleen after immunization with either antigen. All strains of mice responded to both antigens and the responses are discussed. All groups of mice responded to the mitogens tested.
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