Prevention of Immunologic Deficiency in Pituitary Dwarf Mice by Prolonged Nursing

[摘要] Baroni first demonstrated a deficiency of immunologic function in the Snell-Bagg pituitary dwarf mouse (1, 2). We have confirmed his observations and have also concluded that this deficiency appears largely to be limited to the thymus-dependent lymphoid system (3, 4). Another type of pituitary dwarf mouse, the Ames dwarf, has also been shown to be immunologically deficient (5). In both types of dwarfs the defect became particularly evident shortly after weaning at 21 days of age, as indicated by a sharp drop in the number of circulating lymphocytes.We have studied the effect of prolonged nursing with foster mothers on the lymphoid system of dwarf mice. Three-week-old dwarf mice continued to have a strong suckling instinct for several weeks and consequently it was possible to foster-nurse them for a prolonged period beyond the usual time of weaning.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）