The distribution of 2,4-dinitrophenyl groups in lymphoid tissue of guinea-pigs following skin painting with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene.

Cellular localization of 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP) groups in the peripheral lymphoid system of guinea-pigs was studied at various times after painting the skin with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) by the immunofluorescent method using anti-DNP antibody. The cells taking up the stain (DNP cells) were shown to be mainly lymphocytes. At 1-6 h after painting the majority of DNP cells were found in the peripheral blood and the spleen but the maximum number was reached in the lymph node draining the site of DNCB application 12 h after painting. Injecting cyclophosphamide (CY) 3 days before painting with DNCB, heightened the number of DNP cells residing in the draining node. The animals treated with the tolerogen, 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid sodium salt (DNBSO3Na), and then painted with DNCB, had fewer DNP cells than those animals which had simply been painted once with DNCB. The culture supernatants prepared from the draining nodes of both normal and tolerant animals partially blocked the anti-DNP antibody binding with DNP cells. It is suggested that the cells associated with DNP groups residing in the draining lymph node act as immunogens in the immunizing process of contact sensitivity.