Reactive Alterations in Thymic Lymphocytopoiesis to Short-Term Decrease in Deuterium Content in the Body.

We studied changes in thymic lymphocytopoiesis induced by a short-term decrease in deuterium content in the body. The experiment was performed on adult male Wistar rats receiving water with lower deuterium content [D]=10 ppm. Increased relative weight of thymus was found after 24 h of consumption. Flow cytometry revealed higher percentage of undifferentiated cells and mature T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells. Hence, lymphocytopoiesis in the thymus is highly sensitive to short-term decrease in deuterium body content. A decrease in the content of deuterium stimulates proliferation of lymphoblasts in the thymus and slows down migration of differentiated T cells. Enhanced generation of cytotoxic T cells under these conditions attests to the role of deuterium in selection of double-positive thymocytes. The revealed shifts are reactive, and their pattern can change later, which requires further research.