AGE AND SEX-DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE OF LYMPH-NODE POST-CAPILLARY VENULES IN MICE INFECTED WITH TOXOPLASMA-GONDII

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (3) , 274-280
Abstract
Groups of male and female mice of varying ages were infected with a low-virulence strain of T. gondii and killed 3 wk and 6 wk after infection. The lymph nodes of the female group showed a greater prominence of the endothelial cells of the post-capillary venules. This difference was most marked at the age of 15 wk and least at 30 or more wk. The same sex difference was demonstrated in control mice although to a lesser extent. The possible role of female sex hormones on the vascular endothelium in modifying the development of an immune response and in explaining the observed female preponderance in human cases of autoimmune disease is discussed.