Splenocytes from bile duct ligated rats do not elicit a normal immune response in the intact host.

Previous studies have shown impaired immune function in biliary obstruction, and our earlier investigations have demonstrated impaired response to alloantigens in the jaundiced rat host. The present study uses the graft versus host (GVH) popliteal lymph node assay to assess the ability of lymphocytes from bile duct ligated animals to elicit an immune response in normal rats. Female Lewis rats underwent bile duct ligation and transection (BDL) or sham celiotomy. A third group of rats served as normal controls. The animals were killed at intervals from 1 to 6 weeks after surgery, and spleen cell preparations were made. Splenocytes (5 x 10(6) from BDL, sham celiotomy, or normal control rats were injected into the hind footpads of LBNF1 hybrid rats. The contralateral hind footpads were injected with media as controls. The popliteal lymph nodes were removed and weighted 7 days after injection. The BDL rats were clinically jaundiced. GVH response was normal at 1 week and decreased at 2 weeks, remaining depressed through 6 weeks. Contralateral control lymph node weights were similar in all groups. Obstructive jaundice not only impairs host immune defense, but also significantly decreases splenocyte GVH capability.