The distribution of antibody and antibody-producing cells after immunization with xenogeneic cells

Abstract

After intradermal injection of xenogeneic cells, antibody producing cells were demonstrated in the regional lymph nodes and peritoneal fluid as early as 5 days post-immunization. By 19 days antibody-producing cells were also found in the bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood. They were not found in significant numbers in the thymus or non-regional lymph nodes. Antibody was demonstrable in the blood as early as 4 days post-immunization and reached maximum titre at 19 days. Both IgG and IgM were recovered from the thoracic duct lymph after intravenous injection. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the rejection of solid tumours and grafts.