[Evaluation of thrombocyte-induced immunomodulation in the tetanus-infected mouse]

The infection model of the mouse-tetanus assay was utilized in experiments to test for immunomodulating effects of thrombocyte preparations. It has been established that the substances of platelets cause alteration of tetanus reactivity in mice which occurs in two phases: a non-specific early effect starting only a few hours after application displaying a drastic increase of resistance of the animals to sporangium activity (possibly through enhancement of phagocytosis or bypass operation). A late phase of effectiveness develops after weeks, visible by an increase of morbidity and mortality following a repeated challenge which may be due to a decrease of a specific immune response. The immune modulating action is that of an inducer acting in xenogeneic systems and altering also the immune response to transplantation antigens.