Effect of Partial Hepatectomy on Immune Responses II. Enhancing Effect on Antigen Primed Lymphocytes

Abstract

It is generally known that a major resection of the liver triggers nucleic acid synthesis, not only in the regenerating liver cells (1), but also in lymphoid tissues (2). Partial hepatectomy also stimulates function of the reticulo-endothelial cells. These cells serve as phagocytes which process particulate antigens (3). As previously reported; the number of antibody forming cells detected as hemolytic plaque forming cells (PFC), or immune rosette forming cells (RFC), in the spleen of rats immunized with sheep red cells (SRC), is significantly increased (10 times) after partial hepatectomy (4). The same results have been noted when lymph node cells were employed. Our experiments were designed to elucidate the mechanisms resulting in an increased production of PFC and RFC.