Effect of unilateral and bilateral lesions of caudate-putamen on immune response in the rat.

In the present study we investigated the effect of selectivity destroyed dopaminergic neurons of the caudate-putamen (CP) on immune reactivity in the rat. Unilateral and bilateral lesioning of CP was performed by one direct stereotaxic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine solution. Sham-lesioned and intact rats served as controls. Two weeks after the operation, the animals were immunized with sheep red blood cells or bovine serum albumin for determination of plaque forming cell-response and Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions, respectively. Unilateral and bilateral lesions of CP considerably suppressed PFC-response and Arthus and delayed the hypersensitivity reactions in comparison to control rats, while no differences were observed between unilaterally and bilaterally lesioned animals.