MORPHOLOGICAL AND KINETIC STUDIES ON ANTIBODY-PRODUCING CELLS IN RAT LYMPH NODES.

Abstract

A study of the secondary response of regional lymph nodes to immunization with diphtheria toxoid adsorbed to aluminium phosphate has been made using a combined immunofluorescent and autoradiographic technique. No difference was detected in the kinetic pattern of the specific antibody-containing cells compared to the general population of those containing γ-globulin. The morphology of the replicating antibody-containing cells and their progeny are described. A population of large basophilic, DNA-synthesizing cells which did not contain γ-globulin was found to be present in the nodes. Rates of cell division were examined in rats immunized with HSA. The blast cells were found to have a rapid turnover and their progeny, the plasma cells, a short life span.