Development of systemic and local tumors induced by avian reticuloendotheliosis virus after thymectomy or bursectomy
Linna, T.J.; Hu, C.P.; Thompson, K.D.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute 53(3): 847-854
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-8874 PMID: 4412788 Document Number: 72354
The effects of thymectomy and surgical and chemical (cyclophosphamide) bursectomy on tumour development and mortality after systemic or local administration of avian reticuloendotheliosis virus, strain T were studied. Significantly more thymectomized and bursectomized chickens died from reticuloendothelial tumours than did their sham-operated controls. Locally induced tumours regressed frequently in normal animals, but most thymectomized or bursectomized birds developed progressively growing, ultimately fatal tumours. These studies showed that not only thymus-dependent, cell-mediated immunity but also the bursa-dependent, antibody-producing system had a host-protective influence-a 'surveillance' function. The results were incompatible with a tumour-protective role for the antibody-producing system.