Changes induced by vascular antigens in the aorta of guinea-pigs: immunological and morphological studies.

The effects have been studied of human vessel wall on the cell-mediated and humoral immune response, as well as the morphological changes produced in the aorta in guinea-pigs. In animals immunized with calcium chloride-tris-citrate extracts of the aortic and vessel wall a definite cell-mediated and humoral immune response was observed. A cross-reaction was found between the 2 vessel wall extracts in the skin test and in the migration inhibition test. The induction of desoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was found to be specific. Antibody production as well as the concentration of IgG in the serum was increased. Simultaneously with increased production of the antibodies the cellular immune response did not diminish util the 9th week. A definite alteration was found in the aortic intima by histological, histochemical, immunofluorescence and electron microscopic methods. In addition some slight changes could be observed in the media and in the aventitia of the aorta.