Immune competence of germ-free rats. I. Increased responsiveness to transplantation and other antigens.

Abstract

SummaryThe ability of GF rats to generate sensitivity responses has been compared to that of isogeneic CV rats. It was demonstrated that GF rats reject skin allografts more rapidly than do similar CV rats. In vitro correlates of delayed- and immediate-type sensitivity are produced more rapidly and in greater strength to transplantation antigens. Increased responsiveness was also demonstrated to H and O antigens of E. coli and to sheep erythrocytes. This occurs because a larger proportion of the immunologically competent cells of the GF animal's smaller immune system responds to an antigenic challenge.We suggest, although we have not proven, that this may be due to increased ability to process antigen.