DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF X-RADIATION ON ANTIBODY-PRODUCING CELLS

X-radiation appears to exert its inhibitory effect on the antibody response by two mutually dependent routes: (a) direct radiation injury to the antibody-producing lymphoid tissue, and (b) indirect effects of altered homeostasis in the radiated host on antibody-producing tissues. Neither of these two effects alone produces significant inhibition of the secondary antibody response made by transferred lymphoid cells. However, 400 to 500 r administered in vitro to the transferred cells, plus 400 r whole body x-radiation of the recipient prior to transfer, completely inhibited the antibody response.