[Effect of syngeneic thymocytes on the proliferation of the small intestine epithelium in mice].

The effect of syngeneic thymocytes on the proliferative compartment of the small intestinal epithelium was studied in CBA mice. In mice that intravenously received thymus cells, the proliferative enterocyte activity was depressed, the proliferative zone reduced and the maturation zone enlarged. The data obtained indicate that medullary thymocytes are responsible for this effect. The regulatory role of the immune system with regard to cell proliferation is discussed.