[Induction of lymphocytotoxic antibodies through transplantation of preserved allogeneic skin in mice].

The authors report investigations on inducing lymphocytotoxic antibodies by transplanting allogenic skin grafts in mice after different kinds of preservation. Immunogenic effect was found at the following test conditions: storage of the graft for 4 weeks at -196 degrees C without cryoprotection, storage for 1 day at -38 degrees C, and storage at room temperature after lyophilization immediately after removal. No immunogenity was found after storage for 3 weeks at -38 degrees C, and uncertain immunogenity after storage for 4 weeks in 4 per cent formaldehyde solution. Sometimes the average strength of the microcyte toxin test was lowered around the 7th to 9th day after transplantation. That is interpreted as sign of adsorption of circulating antibodies to the graft. The authors point at the coincidence of these findings and the rejection of primary grafts, and at the potential causal relations between both phenomena.