• 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 47  (1) , 61-66
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide [CY] (300 mg/kg) given before or up to 2 days after sensitization, induced increased contact skin reactions at 8 days [in guinea pigs]. Reactions were suppressed with CY given between 3 and 5 days after sensitization; reactivity returned on day 10. CY, given on days 6 to 8, only suppressed reactions when skin tests were made 4 days later. This temporary depression of contact sensitivity corresponded with the maximal reduction of peripheral blood lymphocytes. CY given 1-2 days after DNFB [dinitrofluorobenzene] produced decreased T-cell proliferation in local lymph nodes 4 days after sensitization. CY given 3 days after DNFB produced maximal T-cell suppression on 5 day nodes. A massive increase in T-cell proliferation in 5 day nodes occurred when CY was given on the day of sensitization or the day before. CY given around sensitization acted mainly on suppressor cells; given later, the action was principally on the effector functions.