Network connectivity is shown to change in C57BL/6 mice during a continuing immune response subsequent to tetanus toxoid hyperimmunization.

We have already demonstrated (Stojanovic et al., 2009) a connection between tetanus toxoid (TTd) hyperimmunization and the induction of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) in BALB/c mice. Here we show that C57BL/6 mice subjected to an identical procedure do not exhibit any like pathology attributable to anti-phospholipid antibodies; we explain that this absence results from idiotypic connectivity.

In vitro stimulation of Balb/c and C57 BL/6 splenocytes by a recombinantly produced banana lectin isoform results in both a proliferation of T cells and an increased secretion of interferon-gamma.

Lectins are widely used in many types of assay but some lectins such as banana lectin (BanLec) are recognised as potent immunostimulators. Although BanLec's structure and binding characteristics are now familiar, its immunostimulatory potential has not yet been fully explored. The synthesis by recombinant technology of a BanLec isoform (rBanLec) whose binding properties are similar to its natural counterpart has made it possible to overcome the twin problems of natural BanLec's microheterogeneity and low availability.

Exposure to forced swim stress alters morphofunctional characteristics of the rat thymus.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether chronic stress, induced by repeated daily swimming during 21 days, alters the morphofunctional parameters in the thymus of adult rats. Our results showed that chronic stress reduced thymus mass, total number of thymocytes, volume of the thymus compartments and numerical density of thymocytes within thymus inner cortex and medulla. However, the percentage of apoptotic cells and the level of corticosterone were significantly increased.

Changes in the thymus of peripubertal rats induced by centrally applied somatostatin-28.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of centrally applied somatostatin-28 on morphometric characteristics of the thymus, the thymocyte subpopulations, as well as, on apoptosis and phases of cell cycle in thymocytes. For this purpose, peripubertal male rats were cannulated intracerebroventriculary and treated with repeated, nanomolar concentrations of somatostatin-28 (experimental group) or saline (control group). Animals were sacrificed and their thymuses were used for the analysis of thymocyte subpopulations, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry and for the evaluation of morphometric parameters by stereological analysis.