MIGRATION OF LYMPHOCYTES AND THYMOCYTES IN THE RAT

Abstract
The cellular deficit in rats thymectomized at birth is primarily one of circulating small lymphocytes. The lymphocyte deficiency is similar to that induced in adult rats by chronic drainage from a thoracic duct fistula. In both cases, the animals show a reduction of small lymphocytes in peripheral blood, thoracic duct lymph, and in circumscribed areas of lymphoid tissue. The lympocyte deficiency in lymphoid tissue can be corrected by an intravenous injection of thoracic duct lymphocytes. The evidence suggests that the deficiency is corrected by small lymphocytes.
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