Lymphoid cell populations in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized SJL/J mice bearing Hodgkin's disease-like reticulum...

Using the reticulum cell sarcoma (RCS) of the SJL/J mouse as a model for Hodgkin's disease, the effects of tumor growth and splenectomy on the T-cell and B-cell populations were evaluated. Although splenectomy improved survival and reduced gross observable tumor growth in secondary tumor sites, no effect on T-cell and B-cell populations was detected. We conclude that tumor growth appears to be undetected by the immune system; previously reported immunosuppression in RCS-bearing mice must be due to functional changes and not cell population changes; and splenectomy contributes to survival and suppression of tumor cell growth in secondary sites.