Immune abnormalities in guinea pigs with asymptomatic congenital syphilis.
Spleens from 1-20-wk-old guinea pigs infected in utero with Treponema pallidum and age-matched controls, born to normal and heat-killed (56 degrees C, 2 h.) T. pallidum-injected mothers, were examined for their in vitro lymphoproliferative response to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and lipopolysaccharide. Additionally, T cell surface markers (mu-chain, pan T, CD4, and CD8) were determined in spleen, lymph node, and peripheral blood from 10-wk infected and normal pups by single and dual parameter fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. Compared with control animals, congenitally infected animals showed a remarkable prolonged naive-type of immune response as reflected by the higher (p < 0.01) proliferative responses to both T cell mitogens (up to 20 wk of age), and the weaker response to the B cell mitogen, significantly different (p < 0.01) at 10 wk of age. As opposed to controls, in all organs examined the level of CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) T cells was significantly diminished (p < 0.01); consequently, the CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). The role of C4 complement component and the nature and potential role of the immature T and B lymphocyte responses in asymptomatic congenital syphilis is discussed.
Wicher
V
V
Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health Albany, 12201-0509, USA.
Zhao
J
J
Dilwith
R
R
Burger
R
R
Wicher
K
K
D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013590:Syphilis, Congenital / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D008934:Mitogens