Cyclic Phenomena in the Graft-versus-Host Reaction ∗

Abstract

Summary

Parabiosis of (AX C₅₇B1/1)F₁ hybrid mice with strain A mice was followed by intoxication of the hybrids; these hybrids exhibited a cyclic pattern of hypothermia and mortality. Infusion of similar hybrids with strain A spleen cells resulted in homologous disease in the hybrids; these hybrids exhibited a cyclic pattern of hypothermia and weight loss. It is suggested that the graft-versus-host reaction is expressed similarly in both models, perhaps as alternating phases of immunity and tolerance of the parental lymphoid cells for the hybrid. The circadian temperature rhythm of the host animal was impaired by the graft-versus-host reaction, probably by interference with endogeneous temperature regulation.