Characteristics of lymphocyte transfer reactions produced in sheep.

Abstract

SummaryThe normal lymphocyte transfer reaction produced in the skin of sheep is a proliferative response that can be followed by measuring the change in skin thickness at the injection site. In the majority of pairs the lymphocytes of either sheep are sensitive to the tissues of the other member of the pair and so the reaction probably represents the mutual interaction of donor and recipient lymphocytes. About 5 to 6 days after the injection of the donor cells, the host mounts an immune response that effectively inhibits the further development of the normal lymphocyte transfer reaction. There is no indication that a hyper‐sensitivity reaction on the part of the host contributes to the intensity of the dermal response. Lymphocytes obtained from other species will produce a dermal reaction in the skin of sheep. However, the intensity of these reactions falls to an undetectable level as the phylogenetic separation of the donor and recipient increases. Cells obtained from chickens will produce a dermal reaction in the skin of sheep only after an intensive course of immunization with sheep tissues. Such reactions differ in character from normal lymphocyte transfer reactions.