The number of mature cytoplasmic immunoglobulin containing cells (C-Ig cells) in various lymphoid organs of the mouse was studied as a function of antigenic load and the presence of T cells. Both antigen and T-cell deprivation decreased the number of C-Ig cells (plasma blasts and plasma cells). The absolute C-Ig cell numbers were minimal in germfree nude mice, intermediate in specific pathogen-free (SPF) nude mice and in germ-free thymus-bearing mice, and the largest in SPF thymus-bearing mice. The bone marrow was the organ where this picture was most strikingly examplified. In germfree C3H mice raised on a synthetic diet the bone marrow of 3 out of 4 mice tested did not show any C-Ig cell. None of them had C-Ig cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes. The Ig class distribution of the C-Ig cells and the incidence of C-Ig cells positive for more than one Ig heavy-chain isotype (‘double producers’) were also highly dependent upon the antigenic load and the presence of T cells. C-IgM cells were well represented in all groups of mice. Appreciable numbers of C-IgA cells were only found in SPF thymus-bearing mice. The absolute number, but not the relative number, of C-IgG cells followed the same pattern. The percentages of double producers in the various lymphoid organs were largest in germfree nude mice, intermediate in SPF nude mice and in germfree thymus-bearing mice, and minimal in SPF thymus-bearing mice. From these studies we conclude that the background synthesis of IgG and IgA in not intentionally immunized mice is virtually completely dependent on stimulation of the immune system by external antigens, in contrast to the production of IgM.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1981 S. Karger AG, Basel
1981
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.