Studies on the leukocytosis and lymphocytosis induced by Bordetella pertussis. II. The effect of pertussis vaccine on the thoracic duct lymph and lymphocytes of mice.

The 24 hr volume flow, cell concentration, and total cell output of thoracic duct fluid from mice with pertussis-induced hyperlymphocytosis were markedly reduced when compared with values obtained in normal animals. An increase in the number of circulating lymphocytes occurred in several of the pertussis-treated mice despite the presence of an indwelling thoracic duct cannula. The drainage from such animals also showed a reduced cell concentration and total cell output. It is suggested that lymphocyte recirculation may be minimal in pertussis-induced lymphocytosis, and the evidence obtained also suggests that lymphocytes may enter the blood stream by direct routes during the course of the reaction.