SUPPRESSION AND POTENTIATION OF EXPRESSION OF DELAYED-TYPE HYPERSENSITIVITY BY DEXTRAN SULFATE

Abstract

Dextran sulfate [DS] delays the onset, or even completely suppresses the expression in mice of DTH [delayed-type hypersensitivity] to SRBC [sheep red blood cells] when administered via a route different from that of eliciting antigen. DS injected together with the eliciting antigen protenitated the expression of DTH. Dextran showed no effect on DTH. Cell transfer experiments suggest that the targets for the action of DS are the accessory cells (monocytes) and not the T[thymus-derived]-effector cells. Using polystyrene latex particles and lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli, trapping and perhaps activation of the trapped accessory cells rather than toxic effects of DS are responsible for these phenomena.