Assessment of the guinea pig's middle ear cell-mediated response using the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR)

The mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) of the guinea pig was assessed using skin allografts placed in the tympanic cavity, in comparison to the MLR obtained with allografts sutured on the backs of these animals. The MLR obtained from middle ear stimulation was transient. It was not altered by previous systemic immunization, nor did it alter the subsequent MLR obtained when the allografts were implanted on the backs of the guinea pigs. Immunoperoxidase and hematoxylin/eosin stainings of the tympanic allografts were also attempted to make a pathological correlation. Our findings are compatible with other observations of mucosal immune systems.