The B lymphocyte-deprived mouse as a tool in immunobiology

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that mice subjected to continuous injections with anti-IgM antibodies, initiated within one day of birth, or in adulthood, lose all their B lymphocyte functions, but retain T lymphocyte reactivity. The B lymphocyte status of these mice was analyzed by histology, radioautography, serum immunoglobulin levels, the antibody response and reactivity to LPS in vitro. T lymphocyte functions were evaluated in vivo by tumor allograft rejection, contact sensitization, and in vitro by reactivity to mitogens and allogeneic cells. On the basis of the results described, it is suggested that the anti-IgM-treated mouse may be considered as a valid and useful experimental model of the ‘T mouse’.