Supernatant fluid from liquid medium cultures of phase I Bordetella pertussis organisms (pertussis supernatant) when given to calves and sheep by intravenous injection produces a marked lymphocytosis. Thoracic duct and splenic vein cannulation was performed in some animals to study the mechanism of production of this lymphocytosis. There was a transient increased mobilization of lymphocytes from the lymphoid organs as seen by the increase in output of lymphocytes from thoracic duct and splenic vein within a few minutes following administration of pertussis supernatant. This was followed by a decrease in the thoracic duct cell output as long as the blood lymphocyte count remained elevated, indicating an inhibition of recirculation of lymphocytes from blood to lymph. There was no evidence of increased new cell production.

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© 1971 by American Society of Hematology, Inc.
1971
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