Selective T-cell unresponsiveness, as measured by interleukin 2 (IL-2) synthesis upon challenge with antigen, was induced in SJL mice by ovalbumin (OVA) in incomplete or complete Freund's adjuvant administered i.p. or s.c. Ten days later, the mice were given booster injections of 100 micrograms of OVA/complete Freund's adjuvant. On day 20, lymph node and spleen cells were challenged in vitro with serial dilutions of OVA. There was an antigen-specific dose-dependent down regulation of IL-2 production and T-cell proliferation in lymph node T cells. Concomitantly, 100 micrograms of OVA up regulated IL-4 and, to a lesser extent, interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production, particularly by spleen T cells. Altogether, these data indicate that the drop of IL-2 production and T-cell proliferation, as well as the up regulation of IL-4 and IFN-gamma production, are complex manifestations of an evolving T-cell response. The maturation of the T-cell response leads to the production of different patterns of lymphokines, which may be significantly affected, as desired, by dosage, timing, and route of immunization, as well as by the choice of adjuvants.