The phagocytosis function and the antibody reactivity in the thymectomized and thymectomized-irradiated adult rats.

The authors have investigated the influence of the thymus on peritoneal macrophages phagocytosis and antiflagellar agglutinin serum antibodies to "H" Salmonella typhi in the adult rat with diminished immunologic potential. The results show that the immune reactions diminish in intensity in the thymectomized animal. The immune reactions are also diminished in the thymectomized animal exposed to radiation as compared to control irradiated but non-thymectomized.