[Mechanisms of the activating effect of a closed chest injury on the immune response].

Experiments on male Wistar rats weighing 180-240 g have demonstrated a stimulatory effect of closed chest trauma (CCT) on immune response to T-dependent antigen. The enhancement of immune response correlated with the growing of T but not B cell number in the spleen. Thymectomy completely abolished the posttraumatic activation of antibody production. The enhancement of immune response was also noted after thoracotomy. The combination of thoracotomy with thymus trauma did not give, however, such an effect. The immunomodulatory effect of the CCT is concluded to be non-specific, which is mediated by the T cell system.