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Behaviorally conditioned enhancement of delayed-type hypersensitivity in the mouse
1Department of Microbiology (Division of Immunology), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14642.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|March 1, 1987
Summary
Cyclophosphamide (CY) can condition immune responses. This study shows CY can enhance, not just suppress, the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response in mice when paired with a saccharin solution (SAC).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cyclophosphamide (CY) is known to suppress various immune responses.
- Conditioning techniques can modify immune system activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cyclophosphamide (CY) can be used to condition an enhancement of the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response.
- To explore the role of conditioned cues in modulating CY-induced immune effects.
Main Methods:
- Mice were conditioned by pairing saccharin solution (SAC) consumption with CY injection three weeks before sensitization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC).
- Animals were reexposed to SAC at specific time points and received a low dose of CY on Day +3.
- DTH responses were measured following SRBC challenges on Days +4, +11, and +18.
Main Results:
- A low dose of CY suppressed DTH on Day +4 in both conditioned and control groups.
- Following subsequent SRBC rechallenges on Days +11 and +18, DTH responses were enhanced.
- Conditioned mice reexposed to SAC exhibited significantly greater DTH enhancement compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Cyclophosphamide (CY) can be conditioned to enhance immune responses, specifically the DTH response.
- This demonstrates that both suppression and enhancement of immune responses can be achieved through conditioning with CY.