Histophysiology of cellular immunity reactions in B-cell deprived rabbits. An X-irradiation model for delineation of an 'isolated T-cell system'.

Three times sublethal total body X-irradiation with thymus shielding--at 2 weeks' intervals--delineated a temporarily B-cell deprived animal model, only reconstituted with recently thymus-derived cells. The thymusdependent areas of peripheral lymphoid tissue-repleted with T-cells--are described. The cellular immune capacity of these animals with an "isolated T-cell system" was analyzed by means of skin allografting. Histological and autoradiographic studies were performed in draining lymph nodes after a variety of antigenic stimuli: skin allografts, S. java vaccin, horse-gamma-globulin, horse spleen ferritin and a contact sensitizer (Oxazolone).