Brain modulation of the immune system: association between lymphocyte responsiveness and paw preference in mice

An association between handedness and immune disorders has been described in man, left-handers being more susceptible to autoimmune or allergic diseases. However, this correlation was established between handedness and clinical signs of immune disorders without studying immune functions. Using an animal model, we demonstrated for the first time an association between handedness and lymphocyte reactivity. Left-handed mice were shown to exhibit higher mitogen-induced T lymphocyte proliferation than right-handed animals.