Pituitary-Adrenal Cortical Control of Antibody Release from Lymphocytes. An Explanation of the Anamnestic Response.

Abstract

Summary An anamnestic reaction has been produced in rabbits and mice following a single injection of adrenal cortical extract or pituitary adrenotrophic hormone. Desoxycorticosterone acetate injection failed to elicit this response. In adrenalectomized mice the anamnestic reaction also was elicited by adrenal cortical extracts but not by adrenotrophic hormone, despite the demonstrated presence of antibodies in the lymphocytes of these animals. Therefore, adrenal cortical mediation is essential for control of the release of antibody from lymphocytes. Two toxic stimuli, benzene and potassium arsenite, liberated antibodies from lymphocytes in intact mice. These stimuli failed to effect this release in adrenalectomized mice. The data establish the role of pituitary-adrenal cortical secretion as the controlling mechanism for the release of antibody from lymphocytes. The anamnestic reaction is one manifestation of this control.