Lymphocyte Blastogenesis in Hairless Dogs Following Stimulation by Various Mitogens

Abstract

Lymphocyte blastogenesis in hairless descendants of Mexican hairless dogs was examined using the following mitogens : phytohemagglutinin (PHA-M), Concanavalin A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) . Blastogenetic responses to these mitogens were measured by glucose consumption test (GCT) and compared with those of haired beagle dogs. The response to PHA-M was significantly less in the hairless dogs than in the beagles. No significant differences in the responses to Con A, PWM and LPS were recognized. These results indicated T-cell dysfunction in the hairless dogs, coinciding with our previous work showing reduction of the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and early degeneration of the thymus.