Abstract
To determine the effects of high-temperature exposure on antibody response to viral antigen in mice, male BALB/c mice were placed for 13 days in animal chambers at 23°C, 32°C, and 35.5°C. Rectal temperature rose from 37°C to 39°C on day 1 in a 35.5°C environment. The rectal temperature was kept constant throughout the exposure period. The IgG-antibody to Sendai virus (SV) antigen was inhibited to about 50% of the control value (23°C). The serum corticosterone concentration indicating thermal stress increased steadily, peaking on day 1 and then gradually decreased and recovered to the normal level on day 13. Body weight decreased to about 72% of the controls on day 13. Thymus and spleen weight decreased to 31.7% and 61.5% respectively. At 32°C, these effects were less than at 35.5°C. Effects of high-temperature exposure at 35.5°C appeared to noticeably decrease thymus and spleen weight. It is clear that IgG-antibody response to SV antigen is suppresed by high-temperature exposure.
