Abnormality of the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to Bordetella pertussis in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

The delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) response of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was compared with that of Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY), a normotensive strain. SHR showed a lower DTH response to Bordetella pertussis than WKY, especially 48 to 72 hr after antigenic challenge. These results were observed before appearance of abnormality of antibody formation or blood pressure. The reduced DTH responses of SHR were partially restored by either transfer of WKY thymocytes or treatment with levamisole. Conversely, the transfer of SHR thymocytes into WKY rats tended to diminish the DTH response. These findings suggest that SHR have a disfunction of T lymphocytes involved in DTH response (e.g., increase of suppressor cells and/or decrease of helper cells).