Stimulation of Immune Response in Hybrid Mice Following Rauscher Virus Infection 1

Abstract

Summary

The effect of Rauscher leukemia virus injection on the splenic PFC response to SRBC was measured in a mouse strain sensitive to the virus (SJL/J), one resistant to the virus (C57B1/10), and their F₁ hybrid (SJL/JxC57B1/10)F₁. In contrast to previous findings of a suppressive effect of Friend virus on PFC response in another hybrid of different resistant and sensitive strains, a significant immunostimulation was seen. Immunostimulation was also seen in the resistant parent when the PFC response level was measured 12 days or later after RLV infection, while the PFC response of the sensitive parent was nearly completely suppressed. Evaluation of the effect of RLV on the splenic masses of the three strains indicated a mild transient splenomegaly in the hybrid; a pronounced splenomegaly in the sensitive parent; and no effect on the resistant strain. Comparison of the data suggests that the change in splenic PFC number in the hybrid following RLV infection occurs as a function partially independent of changes in the total splenic mass.