The Influence of X-Irradiation on the Passive Transfer of Tuberculin Hypersensitivity in the Guinea Pig

Abstract

Total body X-irradiation (130 r) diminishes the tuberculin skin reaction in guinea pigs sensitized by the injection of Freund adjuvant either 31 days prior to or 3 days subsequent to irradiation and impairs the ability of the leukocytes to transfer passively tuberculin hypersensitivity to normal recipient animals. Comparable X-irradiation of recipient animals 4 days before cell transfer from irradiated (prior to sensitization) or non-irradiated sensitized donor animals also produces a diminution in the tuberculin reactivity of the recipient animals. When both recipient and sensitized donor animals are exposed to 130 r of X-ray 4 days prior to cell transfer passive transfer of tuberculin skin hypersensitivity was not demonstrable.