Reversal of the Thymus-Dependent Influence in Radiation Leukemogenesis of C57BL Mice

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Abstract
A striking inhibition of lymphocytic neoplasms was observed in C57BL strain thymectomized and irradiated mice bearing isogenic grafts of thymic tissue under the renal capsule. A frequency of less than 5 percent was observed in each of 3 groups. In contrast, thymectomized and irradiated C57BL mice bearing isogenic thymic grafts in the subcutaneous connective tissues developed a frequency of disease, with a mean age at death approaching the pattern found in intact, fractionally irradiated mice. Grafted thymic tissue was invariably found to be lymphosarcomatous. Microscopic examination at serial intervals of thymic tissue grafted at each site showed no pronounced differences. Well-developed grafts with morphologically preserved thymic architecture persisted under the renal capsule for as long as 14 months. Possible mechanisms for this inhibition are suggested and discussed.