IMMUNOFLUORESCENT STUDIES OF THE LOCAL IMMUNE-RESPONSE IN THE MAMMARY-GLANDS OF RATS

Abstract

Two irritants, phosphate-buffered saline and alcohol, and antigens including killed Brucella abortus, live B. abortus, Staphylococcus aureus, and rat parvovirus were separately infused into rat mammary glands during pregnancy, and by using immunofluorescent techniques, the numbers of immunoglobulin-containing cells in glands during lactation and involution were determined. The study provided basic information on the local immune response of the mammary gland to antigens of various types. In all experiments, the number of immunoglobulin M (IgM) cells present was small and no trends were apparent. IgA cells were always more prevalent than IgG cells. Fewer IgA cells were in the glands of rats i..