Changes in T and B lymphocyte populations in the lymph nodes draining the uterus in pregnant mice.

Abstract

Using indirect immunofluorescence and fluorescence microscopy, changes in the proportion of T and B lymphocytes in the para-aortic lymph nodes draining the pregnant uterus and the brachial nodes from the same animal were examined at 8, 15, 17 and 19 days of pregnancy and 2 and 6 days post partum. Syngeneic and allogeneic matings of CBA and C57BL10.ScSn mice were examined. There was a dramatic increase in the level of B cells in the para-aortic nodes after 15 days. This peaked around the time of parturition and did not fall until 6 days post partum. There was no change in the level of B cells in the brachial nodes. There was an indication from syngeneic and allogeneic matings of CBA mice that the percentage of T cells dropped during the second half of pregnancy. It is concluded that allogenicity, seminal plasma, implantation, multiparity, the placenta and the male fetus were not responsible for the observed increase in the level of B lymphocytes.