DIFFERENTIAL RADIOSENSITIVITY OF FIRST AND SECOND-SET RESPONSES TO ALLOGENEIC AND XENOGENEIC SKIN GRAFTS IN LETHALLY IRRADIATED MICE1

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Abstract
The second-set response of mice presensitized by means of allogeneic (H-2 difference) or xenogeneic (rat) skin grafts is more resistant to a lethal dose of X-radiation (870 rad) than is the first-set response. The second-set response to a xenogeneic skin graft is more radioresistant than is the second-set response to an allogeneic graft. The first-set response to an allogeneic skin graft appears to be more radioresistant than is the first-set response to a xenogeneic graft. Presensitization by means of rat skin grafts accelerated the primary response to an allogeneic skin graft in non-irradiated mice. The converse was not true. The theoretical implications of these observations are briefly discussed. The data are interpreted as clear evidence of the heterogeneity of the mammalian immune system.