An Investigation of Lymphocyte Production in Guinea-Pig Bone Marrow

Abstract

Evidence from a variety of experiments indicates that lymphocytes are produced in guinea-pig bone marrow. Under certain conditions the numbers produced appear to be considerable. During recovery from irradiation there are numerous telophases in marrow smears which appear to be forming small lymphocytes. Moreover, many lymphocytes are still found in shielded bone marrow after the rest of the body, including the conventional lymphoid tissues, has received lethal or supra-lethal irradiation. Almost 50% of these cells are formed after the irradiation. Finally, when bone marrow is cultured in the peritoneal cavity of a host whose own lymphocyte production has been suppressed by irradiation, small percentages of newly-formed small lymphocytes are found in this marrow.