In vivo and in vitro characterization of specific hyporeactivity to skin xenografts in mixed xenogeneically reconstituted mice (B10 + F344 rat----B10)

Mixed xenogeneically reconstituted mice (F344 rat + C57BL/10Sn---- C57BL/10Sn), which specifically retain F344 tail skin xenografts, were studied for the specificity of such hyporeactivity and for in vitro reactivity and immunocompetence. Survival of mixed reconstituted animals was excellent, without evidence for graft vs. host disease. Donor-type tail skin grafts were specifically prolonged (mean survival time = 80 d) in comparison with normal controls and syngeneically reconstituted animals. In vitro, such animals manifested specific hyporeactivity by mixed lymphocyte reaction and cell-mediated lympholysis to F344 rat and B10 cells, with normal response to third- party rat (Wistar-Furth) and mouse (B10.BR). Examination of lymphoid tissues with a fluorescence-activated cell sorter revealed low levels, if any, of donor-type cells detectable. This system offers a model for investigation of xenogeneic transplantation tolerance.