Natural killer cell activity and autologous mixed lymphocyte response of splenic, mesenteric lymph node, and colonic lymphocytes during DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis in the rat.

Two in vitro models of immune surveillance were used to examine the immune status of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen during the early stages of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMN)-induced colon tumorigenesis. DMH- and vehicle-treated Fischer rats were sacrificed at one of three time points: one week, two months, or five months after cessation of treatment. Colonic, lymph node, and splenic natural killer cell cytolytic activity toward YAC-1 tumor targets and T-cell response to autologous Ia-induced blastogenesis were measured at each time point. We found little change in natural killer cell activity or T-cell proliferation induced by autologous Ia gene products at these time periods.