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Deficits in T helper cells after total lymphoid irradiation (TLI): Reduced IL-2 secretion and normal IL-2 receptor expression in the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR)

Journal Article · · Cellular Immunology; (USA)
;  [1]
  1. Stanford Univ. School of Medicine, CA (USA)

Spleen cells from BALB/c mice treated with total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) and from normal, unirradiated mice were compared in the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). Although the percentage of CD4+ cells in the spleen was close to normal, 4 to 6 weeks after TLI, the MLR of unfractionated spleen cells from irradiated mice was more than 10-fold lower than controls. A similar reduction was observed when purified CD4+ cells were used as responders in the MLR. Secretion of IL-2 by cells from irradiated mice was also about 10-fold lower than controls. However, the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells which expressed IL-2 surface receptors during the MLR was similar using spleen cells from irradiated and control mice. Addition of an exogenous source of IL-2 restored the proliferative capacity of the irradiated cells and suggests that the lack of IL-2 secretion is the likely explanation of the marked deficit in the MLR of CD4+ spleen cells after TLI.

OSTI ID:
7025147
Journal Information:
Cellular Immunology; (USA), Journal Name: Cellular Immunology; (USA) Vol. 126:1; ISSN 0008-8749; ISSN CLIMB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English