Kinetics of the relation between suppressor and effector mechanisms in contact sensitivity in the guinea-pig.

Cyclophosphamide (300 mg/kg) given before or up to 2 days after sensitization, induces increased contact skin reactions at 8 days. Reactions were suppressed with cyclophosphamide (CY) given between 3 and 5 days after sensitization; reactivity returned on day 10. CY, given on days 6 to 8, only suppressed reactions when skin tests were made 4 days later. This temporary depression of contact sensitivity corresponds with the maximal reduction of peripheral blood lymphocytes. CY given 1-2 days after DNFB produced decreased T-cell proliferation in local lymph nodes 4 days after sensitization. CY given 3 days after DNFB produced maximal T-cell suppression on 5 day nodes. Massive increase in T-cell proliferation in 5 day nodes occurred when CY was given on the day of sensitization or the day before. Thus CY given around sensitization acts mainly on suppressor cells whereas given later, the action is principally on the effector functions.