Pertussis toxin induces lymphocytosis in rhesus macaques

Lymph nodes and other solid tissues of the immune system are the principal sites for antigen presentation and lymphocyte activation. Lymphocytes in peripheral blood recognize the high endothelial venules within lymphoid tissues and cross from blood to tissue by the process of extravasation. Pertussis toxin is known to block extravasation and cause lymphocytosis in murine models but has not been studied extensively in nonhuman primates. We used intravenous injection of soluble pertussis toxin to induce a transient lymphocytosis in rhesus monkeys. The increase in total white blood cells was proportionally greater for lymphocytes than for polymorphonuclear cells and the CD4+ lymphocyte subpopulation increased more than the CD8+ cell population. The presence of immature polymorphonuclear cells suggested some activation of bone marrow. Clinical chemistry studies revealed an effect of pertussis toxin on liver function. Pertussis toxin is a powerful immunomodulatory agent that can disrupt and reorganize solid lymphoid tissues.