Abstract
Conclusion
The observation that lymphocytes from animals infected with certain bacteria are specifically destroyed by contact in vitro with protein extracts of these bacteria 1 has been extended to humans infected with M. tuberculosis. In the human, as in the guinea pig, the neutrophil leucocytes are also specifically lysed. It is of interest that although the lymphocytes from tuberculous subjects of all 3 species (mouse, guinea pig, human) so far studied, are specifically sensitive to tuberculoprotein, the neutrophil leucocytes are affected only in those species which show a positive delayed-type tuberculin skin test (i.e., guinea pigs and humans). In the tuberculous mouse, which fails to develop delayed-type skin hypersensitivity reactions to tuberculoprotein, 5 lympholysis occurs but other cell types remain unaffected. 1 Apparently, the prsence of complement is necessary for the occurrence of this form of prompt cytolysis. Experiments to further elucidate the rule that thie type of cytolysis plays in the pathogenesis of delayed-type hypersensitivity are in progress.
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