Alterations of the antibody response following in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol.

The antibody response to SRBC and E. coli 0127 lipopolysaccharide were determined in offspring from mice exposed in utero to diethylstilbestrol. The antibody response to SRBC, a T-cell dependent antigen, was similar in control and exposed animals. In contrast, the LPS antibody response was suppressed in treated females and enhanced in treated males. These studies indicated that in utero exposure to DES alters the humoral immune system to T-independent antigens.