INVITRO RESPONSE OF BOVINE THORACIC-DUCT LYMPHOCYTE TO PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ FOLLOWING ADULT THYMECTOMY

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 25  (2) , 342-346
Abstract
The effect of adult thymectomy on the thoracic duct lymphocyte population of yearling calves was investigated. Four to 6 wk after thymectomy, animals showed significantly reduced thoracic duct lymphocyte concentrations when compared to non-thymectomized controls. Phytohemagglutinin [PHA] responsiveness of thoracic duct lymphocytes, measured by [3H] thymidine uptake, was significantly decreased following adult thymectomy. This decreased response to PHA was not accompanied by a change in spontaneous isotope incorporation. Adult thymectomy in the bovine probably leads to a reduction in the number of PHA responsive T [thymus-derived] cells in the thoracic duct lymph.