Mechanisms in the suppression of delayed hypersensitivity in the guinea pig by 6-mercaptopurine. II: Kinetic and morphologic studies on the monocyte-macrophage component.
The effect of 6-mercaptopurine on the development and expression of delayed hypersensitivity was studied in the guinea pig. Results indicated that 6-MP produced its suppressive effects primarily by action on cells of the monocyte-macrophage series. Suppression could occur under conditions of both developing and pre-established delayed hypersensitivity. The defect primarily involved newly synthesized, bone marrow-derived monocytes. Marked alterations in monocyte macrophage generation and distribution, especially the T1/2 of circulating monocytes were demonstrated. Suppressive effects were associated with the appearance of a unique morphologic microscopy. Finally, the in vivo expression of delayed hypersensitivity correlated better with a variety of parameters relating to qualitative macrophage function and distribution rather than those relating to quantitative macrophage levels.
D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology*; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015122:Mercaptopurine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D015122:Mercaptopurine