Studies of homologous immunization with mouse harderian gland

Abstract

Exophthalmos has been reported to follow immunization of guinea pigs with homologous harderian gland. In this report we describe the effects of immunizing mice with harderian gland. We examined in particular the influence of immunization on the uptake of 35S-sulfate by harderian glands since this is thought to reflect events underlying the production of exophthalmos. Female mice were immunized with homologous harderian gland emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant and were found to have an increase in the 6-hr 35S-sulfate uptake by the harderian gland; 35S-sulfate uptake by salivary gland and pancreas was unaffected. Injection of 10 mU thyrotropin had no effect on 35S-sulfate uptake by harderian gland of the immunized mice, in contrast to a stimulation of 35S-sulfate uptake by the pancreas of the same animals and by the harderian gland and pancreas of nonimmunized animals. There was a greater concentration of water plus lipid in harderian glands of immunized animals; glycosaminoglycans, measured as uronic acid, also were increased. Histologically the harderian glands of approximately one-third of the sensitized mice showed minimal infiltration with lymphocytes but hemagglutinating antibodies against the gland were present in about half the sera tested. These data show that the harderian gland of mice is influenced by homologous immunization; the relationship of changes in the metabolism of this gland to human exophthalmos remains speculative.