BIMODAL STIMULATION OF THE RETICULOENDOTHELIAL SYSTEM BY MYCOBACTERIUM PHLEI

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Abstract
A variety of substances which stimulate the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in the mouse were rated in potency by employing active dry bakers' yeast as the reference stimulant. Mycobacterium phlei Halpern was found to be a particularly effective RES stimulant. A single intravenous injection of this microorganism elicited a bimodal stimulation of global phagocytic activity. The peak rates of phagocytosis occurred at 1 and 21 days post administration. M. phlei Halpern also caused pronounced hypertrophy of the liver and spleen. Six weeks elapsed before these organs returned to normal size.