IMMUNOLOGICAL UNRESPONSIVENESS TO PROTEIN ANTIGENS IN RABBITS EXPOSED TO X-IRRADIATION OR 6-MERCAPTOPURINE TREATMENT

Immunology. 1963 Jul;6(4):356-69.

Abstract

Immune unresponsiveness to HSA and BSA was induced in adult rabbits exposed to 550 R. total-body irradiation. Immunogenic doses of antigen, 20–75 mg., were found to be tolerogenic in this system. The degree of unresponsiveness was found to be a function of the time interval between X-irradiation and the beginning of antigen administration. The unresponsive animals retained the circulating antigen in quantities detectable by the gel-diffusion technique. These results were compared with the state of unresponsiveness induced by means of 6-mercaptopurine, and similar parameters were found to be operative. Some aspects of the significance of the ratio of antigen to competent cells, in the induction of immune unresponsiveness, are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation*
  • Antigen-Antibody Reactions*
  • Antigens*
  • Immune Sera*
  • Mercaptopurine*
  • Rabbits
  • Radiation Injuries*
  • Radiation Injuries, Experimental*
  • Research*

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Immune Sera
  • Mercaptopurine