[Immunosuppression by means of cytostatic chemotherapy. Inhibition of antibody formation and induction of tolerance in animal experiments].

Two different experimental models are presented for the induction of immunosuppression and immunological tolerance in mice with antineoplastic drugs: a) an unspecific T cell activation with a phytomitogen (phytohemagglutinin), or b) a partial synchronization of antigen-induced proliferation by mitotic blockade with vincristinsulfate prepare lymphoid tissue for an increased sensitivity to cyclophosphamide. With the first model a complete (antigen-nonspecific) inhibition of antibody production--mediated by an inactivation of T cells which act synergistically with antibody-forming cell precursors during the induction of the humoral immune response ("helper cells") -- has been demonstrated. The second model was shown to be suitable for the induction of immunotolerance, indicating a rather selective suppression of a clone of antigen-specific cells.