On the role of the thymus in recovery of immunological reactivity following X-irradiation

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Experimental Cell Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-4827(62)90305-1· OSTI ID:4737051

Globerson, A.; Fiore-Donati, L.; Feldman, M.

Studies were made on the role of the thymus in the spontaneous recovery of immune reactivity in mice following exposure to x irradiation, The immune reactivity of mice treated with urethan following thymectomy was also tested. Urethan-treated mice showed a normai rejection of tumor homografts; only 1 out of 9 tumors showed palpable growth, which was then rejected on the 16th day. In mice thymectomized and then treated with urethan, 4 of 13 grafts gave palpable takes, but all were rejected between the 15th and 22nd day. X irradiated recipients showed a higher percentage of palpable growth (5/8), which was rejected between the 17th and 28th day. However, in animals thymectomized and subsequently x irradiated, all the tumor grafts grew (10/10), though 7 of them were later rejected, but their survival time was significantly prolonged. It thus appears that the regeneration of immune competence following whole-body x irradiation is impaired in thymectomized animals. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Weizmann Inst. of Science, Rehovoth, Israel
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-010412
• OSTI ID: 4737051
• Journal Information: Experimental Cell Research, Journal Name: Experimental Cell Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 28; ISSN 0014-4827
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CARBAMATES
CHEMICALS
ETHYL RADICALS
IMMUNITY
MICE
RECOVERY
SURGERY
THYMUS
TRANSPLANTS
TUMORS
URETHANE
X RADIATION