Origins of serum IgE and of the homocytotropic antibody-secreting cells in the thoracic duct lymph of rats infested with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

Mesenteric lymphadenectomy caused a marked reduction in the amounts of both parasite-specific and total IgE in the serum of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infested rats. This was accompanied by reduced quantities of IgE in the thoracic duct lymph, showing that the mesenteric lymph node is of great importance in the generation of the elevated IgE levels which accompany this infestation. Conversely, the intestinal lamina propria and the Peyer's patches did not appear to be significant contributors to either thoracic duct lymph or serum IgE levels. Homocytotropic antibody-secreting cells specific for parasite antigens were detected in the thoracic duct lymph of lymphadenectomized rats and are believed to arise directly from the gut mucosa and possibly from Peyer's patches.