Comparison of three assays measuring the local graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction in mice.

Three assays estimating the local graft-versus-host (GVH) reaction were compared in normal and immunosuppressed mice. The GVH reaction was evoked by administration of spleen cells from normal or specifically immunized donors: a) under the kidney capsule by the Elkins technique, b) subcutaneously in the foot pad, for the popliteal lymph node weight gain (PLN) assay, and c) intradermally, for lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis (LIA) assay. In the Elkins model, the intensity of the GVH reaction was estimated by the weight ratio of the injected to the non-injected kidney and by the microscopic evaluation of infiltrative and destructive changes in renal parenchyma. In PLN assay, the draining to the contralateral popliteal lymph node weight ratio was measured, and in the LIA assay, the number of newly formed blood vessels directed the injection site was counted. The sensitivity of Elkins local GVH model was shown to be the lowest as compared with PLN or LIA assay, the latter being the most sensitive and rapid.