Retarded Immunological Recovery in Sublethally X-Irradiated Mice by Additional Thymic Exposure. Reversal with Injected Marrow Cells

摘要

The role of the intact thymus in recovery of the immune response following a sublethal dose of X radiation was studied. Groups of adult LAF1 mice were exposed to 500 rad of X rays and some of these animals, appropriately lead-shielded, then received an additional 500, 1000, or 2000 rad to the thymic area through a 1.2 cm diameter shield opening. Three criteria of immunological response were employed: (1) numbers of Jerne antibody plaque-forming cells (PFC) in the spleen; (2) concentration of antigen-reactive cells (ARC); (3) rejection time of skin homografts. (Author)