ONSET AND DURATION OF DNA SYNTHESIS IN ANTIBODY-FORMING CELLS AFTER ANTIGEN

Within 5 hours after the intravenous injection of particulate antigen into the primarily immunized mouse, precursors of antibody-forming cells began DNA synthesis as shown by the incorporation of tritium-labeled thymidine. DNA synthesis continued for at least 24 hours and essentially stopped by 48 hours. No DNA synthesis in antibody-forming precursor cells occurred before the injection of antigen.