[Parallel formation of delayed-hypersensitivity effectors and T-suppressors in the intraperitoneal administration of a massive dose of ram erythrocytes].

Injection of 6 X 10(9) sheep red blood cells (SRBC) to mice led to parallel formation, on days 4-5, of delayed hypersensitivity effector cells (the activity was tested in local transfer experiments) and delayed hypersensitivity T-suppressors preventing sensitization of syngeneic recipients. After massive injection of SRBC the activity of spleen suppressors gave 2 peaks: on days 5 and 14. Five days after massive antigen injection only T-cells capable of sorbing on a specific antigen manifested suppressor activity. On day 14 T-cells capable of sorbing on specific antibodies showed a specific activity, whereas T-cells capable of sorbing on a specific antigen retained only part of their activity. The mechanism of delayed hypersensitivity inhibition following massive antigen injection by suppressors obtained by day 5 is reviewed in terms of Germain and Benacerraf's theory postulating that delayed hypersensitivity is regulated by Ly 2+, I-J+ antiidiotypic suppressors capable of sorbing on specific antibodies and formed upon injection of Ly 1+, I-J+, Id+ inductor cells capable of sorbing on a specific antigen.