Immunodeficiency in hypophysectomized rats.

The response of hypophysectomized, sham-operated and non-operated female Fischer 344 and Wistar-Furth rats was compared to various antigenic stimuli. Antibody production against sheep red blood cells, skin response to dinitrochlorobenzene and the development of adjuvant arthritis after treatment with Freund's complete adjuvant were all markedly suppressed in hypophysectomized animals. Sham-operated rats responded as well as did non-operated controls. Skin graft survival was also prolonged in hypophysectomized rats when compared to controls. These results indicate that the pituitary gland plays an important role in immune reactions.