Anti-T and anti-B cell sera in modulation of humoral and cellular reactivity induced by spinal antigen in chickens.

Specific anti-T and anti-B cell sera were used in treatment of allergic encephalomyelitis in chickens. The therapeutic effectivity of anti-T cell serum was very low. Unexpectedly, anti-B as well as normal serum amplified inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system. T and B cell count in peripheral blood was reduced according to the type of antiserum used. Alterations in the anti-myelin IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies level were typical for the course of allergic encephalomyelitis. Mechanisms of activity of anti-T and anti-B cell sera are discussed. We also show that the disease within the central nervous system is accompanied by the symptoms resulting from repeated administration of the xenogeneic sera.