The Decline of Cell-mediated Immunity in Aging Mice

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Abstract
The influence of aging on cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was studied in mice by two tests of allograft immunity: (I) by an in vitro cytotoxicity assay measuring 51Cr release from tumor cells specifically lysed by splenic immunocytes, we observed a decline in CMI by 85% in 16 mo. From studies of the kinetics of cytolysis we concluded that the spleens of older sensitized animals have fewer immunocytes without a loss of potency per cell; (2) the primary response to skin allografts showed that older (2 yr.) animals had slower rejection rates for allografts than the younger animals (5-6 mo.), while presensitized animals both young and old had equal rejection rates. The slower rejection rate in older mice is in accord with the explanation that they produce fewer immunocytes. The age associated loss in CMI may contribute to increased carcinogenesis; but it may be beneficial to old transplant recipients who might thereby require less immunosuppressive therapy with its toxic side effects.

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