STIMULATION OF ANTIBODY-SYNTHESIS INDUCED BY SURGICAL TRAUMA IN RATS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 32  (2) , 243-252
Abstract
The effect of a standard laparotomy on antibody synthesis was studied in Wistar R/A rats receiving an i.v. injection of 109 sheep red blood cells (SRBC) during the surgical procedure. Anti-SRBC antibody titers were significantly higher in operated animals than in controls. When SRBC were given 2 h after the surgical procedure, stimulation of antibody synthesis still persisted, but when the antigen was administered 24 h after laparotomy, no significant difference was detected between the operated animals and controls. Surgery also enhances the secondary humoral response.