The Effects of a Blockading Agent on the Primary Immune Response

Abstract

The effects of the blockading agent Thorotrast on the uptake of Escherichia coli O127:B8 by the cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) in the mouse and on the immune response to the bacterial antigen were investigated. It was found that Thorotrast given both intraperitoneally and intravenously suppressed the immune response to the bacterial antigen. Reduction in the immune response was not directly related to blockade of the RES. Thorotrast in addition to blocking selectively phagocytic cells of certain organs of RES was found to affect lymphoid cells involved in the process of antibody formation.