Placental Products Induce Suppressor Cells of Graft Versus Host Reaction

ABSTRACT: Cells from mice alloimmunized in the presence of placental extract were coinjected with cells from mice conventionally alloimmunized in the footpad of virgin female recipients. The contralateral footpad received a control twice the dose of cells from alloimmunized mice. Cells from the popliteal lymph nodes were harvested on day 3, and pulsed in vitro for measurement of proliferative capacity with ³H thymidine. The response of lymph nodes was compared (homo- vs contralateral). The cells from mice alloimmunized with placental extract in conjunction with alloantigens displayed a marked suppressive capacity of the local graft versus host (GVH) potential of cells from mice conventionally alloimmunized. It is suggested that this local GVH assay represents a quick, objective assay for suppressor-cell induction by placental products.