A Comparison of the Immune Response of Tonsils with the Appendix and Spleen in Neonatal Rabbits

Abstract

Utilizing the local hemolysis-in-gel test, it was found that rabbit tonsils could respond to tetanus toxoid when the animal was injected at 1-14 days of age and challenged 5-10 days later. In contrast with the appendix and spleen which gained immunological competence, the tonsils decreased in plaqueforming ability during the early neonatal period. The 10 day challenge period consistently proved to elicit a stronger immune response than did the 5 day period in all three organs throughout the 6 week period. The palatine mucosa provided a successful antigenic route for tonsilar stimulation.