Spontaneous Delayed Iso-Hypersensitivity in Guinea Pigs

[摘要] New data which allow the delayed-type dermal reactivity that guinea pigs manifest toward a homologous serum factor (SF) to be interpreted as a spontaneous delayed-type iso-hypersensitivity (IH) to an iso-antigen are presented. Histologic evidence has indicated the dermal reaction elicited by SF cannot be differentiated from that evoked by Old Tuberculin. A survey of the distribution of SF and the IH to it among guinea pigs of several strains has revealed an unequal occurrence of each. The earliest onset of spontaneous IH to SF observed, i.e., 4 to 8 weeks of age, corresponds to the earliest age at which guinea pigs can be made to show delayed cutaneous reactions to other antigens. The degree of delayed immunologic reactivity developed to a contact allergen by guinea pigs with and without spontaneous IH to SF was found to be equal. In addition, a cutaneously injected irritant, turpentine, elicited equal responses in animals of these two groups. SF was shown to be different from the permeability factors which elicit immediate type responses. Transfer of iso-hypersensitivity for SF to nonreactive closely related (F1) guinea pigs was accomplished by living lymphocytes. The occurrence in guinea pigs of natural delayed hypersensitivity toward xenogeneic antigens, the possible existence of spontaneous IH among species other than the guinea pig, and the possibility that certain recently reported phenomena may be interpreted as manifestations of spontaneous IH are discussed.

[学科分类] 生物科学（综合）