PRODUCTION OF MIGRATION-INHIBITORY FACTOR AND REPRODUCTIVE CAPACITY IN ALLOGENEIC PREGNANCIES

Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 88  (2) , 333-343
Abstract
Migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is produced during allogeneic pregnancies [in rats] but not during syngeneic pregnancies. Removal of the paraaortic or paraaortic and renal lymph nodes significantly decreased MIF production, whereas splenectomy did not. Removal of these regional lymph nodes decreased the mean litter size and increased the variance in the wt of the offspring, with the greatest changes occurring when the paraaortic and renal lymph nodes were removed; splenectomy did not alter either parameter. None of the surgical procedures affected the gestation period significantly, but removal of the paraaortic and renal lymph nodes greatly reduced the rate of conception and increased the incidence of stillbirths. A vigorous immune response apparently occurs during allogeneic pregnancies. This response probably provides reproductive advantages to the offspring.