Differing mechanisms of tolerance and desensitization to dinitrochlorobenzene in guinea pigs

Abstract

In the present paper the mechanisms of tolerance and desensitization to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) contact sensitivity in guinea pigs were investigated using the methods of adoptive sensitization of tolerant and normal syngeneic recipients and cyclophosphamide-treatment of tolerant animals known to selectively inactivate suppressor lymphocytes. It was shown that desensitization of presensitized animals is caused by the direct effect of the intravenously injected hapten on the effector cells in the peripheral compartment. The immediate onset of unresponsiveness and its very short duration almost exclude the possible involvement of enhancing antibodies or suppressor cells. In the case of tolerance induced by pretreatment with dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid, suppressor cell activity is enhanced, preventing normal specific immunocompetent cells from recognizing the antigen and/or proliferating in the draining lymph nodes. Whether suppressor lymphocytes are of the B or T type is not yet known.

Attempts to Modulate the Immune Response to a Hapten-Carrier Complex with Various Hapten-Containing Compounds

“…Similar results have been previously reported in guinea pigs [25] and in mice [29]. Antibody synthesis to DNP determi nants were not induced by treatment with DNBSO3 in FCA but with dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) [personal obs.]…”

A New Animal Model for Contact Dermatitis: The Hairless Guinea Pig

“…Evidence has accumulated that specific immunologic unresponsiveness to contact sensitivity with haptens is a positive phenomenon mediated by suppressor T cells. It has also been shown that suppressor cells can be eliminated by the administration of a high dose of cyclophosphamide and that such treatments shortly before immunization markedly enhance the degree of contact sensitivity in sensitized animals and reverse tolerance in unresponsive animals (12)(13)(14). It has been also demonstrated that the administration of cyclophosphamide could enhance photoallergic contact sensitivity in mice (15).…”

Effects of Desensitization on Different Kinds of in Vitro PPD-Induced Response of Lymph Node Lymphocytes from Tuberculin-Sensitive Guinea Pigs

“…Dissociation between peritoneal exudate and lymph node reactivity in desensitized animals may be also seen in cellular transfer experiments. Polak and Geleick (1975) reported that LNCs from desensitized donors could transfer contact sensitivity to DNCB, while peritoneal exudate cells from the same animals did not possess the capacity to transfer . The compartmentalization concept may account for the short-lasting nature of the desensitization phenomenon , that is, impaired effector cells in the peritoneal exudate are soon replaced by new effector cells derived from unimpaired precursor cells in the lymph nodes .…”