Atrophy of the Lymphoid Tissues of Mice Induced by Extracts of the Submaxillary Gland

Abstract

Summary Infarction of the submaxillary glands of male A/Jax mice or the administration intraperitoneally of an extract of these glands induced atrophy of the thymus, spleen and mesenteric lymph node and a moderate degree of lymphopenia of A/Jax and C3H mice. The observed response was also noted following adrenalectomy and following ultrafiltration or ultra-centrifugation of the extract and is not attributable, therefore, to a stress reaction or viral infection, but rather to the presence of a factor which inhibits lymphoid tissues.