The effect of electrolytic lesions in the baso-medial-hypothalamus on the immune response of the chicken.

Electrolytic lesions of the baso-medial-hypothalamus (BMH) cause numerous dysfunctions of the endocrine system, many of which have been implicated in regulating immune responses. The objective of this report was to evaluate the direct effects of electrolytic lesions in the BMH on the immune response of the chicken. Our results indicate that temporary immune response impairment, as evaluated by both T and B lymphocyte related responses, occurred only in birds that expressed both brain damage and endocrine dysfunction, whereas birds expressing brain damage alone had normal immune responses. The possible regulation of immune responses by the BMH via the endocrine system is discussed.