Functional brain asymmetry and lymphocyte proliferation in female mice: effects of right and left cortical ablation

Brain immunomodulation may be lateralized as evidenced by two experimental approaches. Using a behavioral paradigm, we have reported an association between asymmetrical brain function and lymphocyte reactivity in mice selected for right- and left-paw preference. Left-handed mice, in comparison to right-handers, exhibit higher mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation. Using a cortical lesion paradigm in mice, it has been previously shown that each hemicortex modulates in opposite directions lymphocyte reactivity. In these experiments, the role of the brain cortex in the association between paw preference and immune reactivity was assessed by studying mitogen-induced lymphoproliferation in left- and right-handed mice after right or left-cortical ablation. The difference in T-lymphocyte responsiveness between right- and left-handed mice persisted after right lesions but was abolished after left lesions. This immunological effect of left cortical ablation is hypothesized to involve the hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons.