Fetal liver cell transplantation in scid mice

Abstract

Mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (CB 17 scid) received isogeneic and allogeneic fetal liver cell transplantation. Immunological reconstitution was followed by immunoglobulin production, mitogen-induced proliferation, spleen and thymus lymphoid recolonization. Scid mice injected with isogeneic fetal liver cells showed normal IgM, IgG production and subnormal Con-A induced proliferation. Lymphoid organs were gradually repopulated. Mice having received allogeneic stem cells presented normal IgM and IgG secretion. They still had no mitogen-induced lymphocyte stimulation, two months after fetal cell transplantation, despite satisfactory repopulation of spleen and thymus. Reconstitution of cell-mediated immunity may be somewhat slower following allogeneic than isogeneic stem cell transplantation.