ABNORMAL IMMUNE MECHANISM IN ALLOGENEIC RADIATION CHIMERAS.

Mice were subjected to x-rays (950 roentgens) and injected with isogeneic (isologous) or allogeneic (homnologous) bone marrow. Six to 8 months later these chimeras were injected with Salmonella typhi flagellar antigen, and the formation of antibodies resistant and sensitive to destruction by treatment in vitro with 2-mercaptoethanol was determined. The allogeneic chimeras showed almost normal amounts of serumn antibody after a third injection of antigen but a relative defect in their ability to synthesize antibody resistant to 2-mercaptoethanol. Apparently control of antibody formation becomes abnormal in the presence of the immunologic tolerance existing between the host and the foreign hematopoietic graft.