The Fate of Mouse Spleen Cells Transplanted into Homologous and F1 Hybrid Hosts

E A Boyse

Abstract

The fate of antibody-producing mouse spleen cells transplanted intraperitoneally into isologous, homologous and F₁ hybrid mice has been investigated by the use of donors hyperimmunized against sheep or human red cells. Survival of the transplanted cells was indicated by a rising titre of haemagglutinins in the host or by a secondary response to challenge with a critical dose of red cells. This dose was sufficient to evoke a vigorous secondary response in immunized mice but only a weak primary response in unimmunized mice.

Homotransplants between the C57BL and A strains did not survive in a functional state for longer than three days. It is suggested that antibody-producing cells are particularly susceptible to immune attack and may therefore be eliminated sooner than other types of cell.

In genetically-compatible (C57BL×A)F₁ hosts, transplants of C57BL cells survived for about two weeks: cells from isoimmune donors (immunized against the other parental strain) probably died out more rapidly. Transplants of A strain cells survived in some instances for four to five weeks: transplants from isoimmune donors invariably killed their hosts.

It is suggested that the law which states that the tissues of an inbred strain are compatible with hybrid hosts derived by crossing that strain with another may require qualification when applied to cells which produce antibody. In such circumstances the outcome may depend upon the innate resistance of the transplanted cells to continued antigenic stimulation. Where this is high, as in the A strain, the host may die: where it is low, as in the C57BL strain, the transplant may die.