IMMUNE-RESPONSE IN CIRRHOTIC RATS - INDUCTION OF TOLERANCE TO ORALLY-ADMINISTERED PROTEIN ANTIGENS

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 71  (1) , 114-117
Abstract
Hepatic cirrhosis reduced the susceptibility of rats to the induction of tolerance by the oral administration of a protein antigen [bovine serum albumin]. Rats with portacaval shunt were rendered tolerant as readily as normal rats. The orally induced state of partial tolerance was dependent on thymus-dependent (T) lymphocytes: B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes reacted normally to challenge when injected with T lymphocytes from normal rats. Several factors may contribute to the reduced responsiveness of the cirrhotic rats to the tolerance regime. The cirrhotic liver had a reduced capacity to separate immunogen form tolerogen. Because of the reduced phagocytic capacity of the liver, increased quantities of lipopolysaccharide, derived from intestinal microorganisms, enter the blood stream. These substances and products of hepatocyte necrosis have adjuvant activity and may contribute to the changed state of reponsiveness of rats with cirrhosis.