title: Generation of T-cell function in organ culture of foetal mouse thymus. II. Mixed lymphocyte culture reactivity.
abstract: The generation of MLC reactive cells in organ cultures of embryonic mouse thymus is described. At least 4 days in culture are required before MLC reactive thymocytes are detectable in this system, which is in marked contrast to the short incubation period required for the expression of Thy-1 on T-cell precursors in other systems. Our data demonstrates the generation of T-cell subsets independent of influences from peripheral lymphoid organs, and in the absence of B cells or their products. One very important application of this technique is in the investigation of the mechanism of T-cell tolerance to self.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005333:Fetus; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology*; D013997:Time Factors