Specific Plasma Cell Accumulation in Antigen-Induced Chronic Inflammation in the Guinea Pig Peritoneal Cavity

Abstract

Specificity of plasmacellular infiltration was studied using a guinea pig peritoneal inflammation model. Acute and chronic inflammations were induced by repeated injections of either of two non-crossreacting antigens (DNP-BSA and PPD). With an enzyme-immunohistochemical sandwich procedure allowing quantitation of DNP-BSA-specific plasma cells, specificity of plasmacellular infiltration could be demonstrated. DNP-BSA-specific antibody-forming cells were found not to enter inflammatory reactions elicited by PPD. Our data support the hypothesis that virtually all plasma cells in a chronic inflammatory exudate release antibodies specific for antigens that are locally available, and that such antigens are likely to play a central role in the perpetuation of chronicity.

MS and the B cell controversy

“…It was suggested that the numerous plasma cells were the source of excess IgG and oligoclonal bands in CSF of MS patients. The accumulation of plasma cells at sites of chronic inflammation is often cited as evidence of a local antigen-driven response [9]. However, accumulation of plasma cells may also occur due to presence of nonspecific activators.…”