Lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis: a quantitative and sensitive assay of the graft-vs.-host reaction.

A new and sensitive assay for the effect of intracutanous administration of immunocompentent lymphocytes into the skin of irradiated unimmunized mice is described. The assay, which we have termed lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis (LIA) involves enumeration of new vascular branches induced by the action of these competent cells. As is the case for the previously described normal lymphocyte transfer reaction, LIA is a manifestation of the graft-vs.-host reaction, as shown by experiments utilizing appropaiate genetic combinations. The reaction is dose-dependent, and within the dose range of 2 times 10 minus 5 -4 times 10-6 cells the mumber of vessels induced correlates with the mumber of immunocompetent cells injected. At these dose levels spleen, lumph node, and hydrocortisone-resistant thymocytes are effective; bone marrow and thymus cells are not. Spleen cells from nude mice are incapable of inducing LIA, while mitomycin-C and irradiated lymphocytes can initiate but not maintain the reaction. The relationship between lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis has been discussed as have the implications of these findings to delayed hypersensitivity, inflammation, and vascular pathology.