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Desensitization of the epidermal adenylate cyclase system: agonists and phorbol esters desensitize by independent mechanisms.

Exposure of pig epidermis to adenylate cyclase stimulators results in receptor-specific desensitization. We investigated the nature of the agonist-induced desensitization, which was compared with the phorbol ester-induced, receptor-nonspecific desensitization. Both phorbol ester-induced desensitization and the agonist-induced desensitization were accompanied by an increase in forskolin- and cholera toxin-induced cyclic AMP accumulations. The magnitude of the increase in the agonist-induced desensitization was parallel to the degree of the initial cyclic AMP accumulation; histamine and adenosine, which increase more cyclic AMP than epinephrine, resulted in a more marked increase in forskolin- and cholera toxin-induced cyclic AMP accumulations. Similarly, epidermis desensitized to multiple receptors revealed more marked forskolin- and cholera toxin-induced cyclic AMP accumulations than epidermis desensitized to a single receptor. In contrast to the phorbol ester-induced desensitization, agonist-induced desensitization was not affected by the protein kinase C inhibitors H-7 and staurosporin. Further, agonist-induced desensitization was still inducible in phorbol ester-desensitized epidermis and vice versa. In contrast to the agonist-induced desensitization, which is accompanied by the preceding adenylate cyclase stimulation, no evidence for the stimulation of the adenylate cyclase during phorbol ester treatment was obtained. Neither agonist-induced desensitization nor phorbol ester-induced desensitization affected the content of inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein of the epidermis, which was monitored by the pertussis toxin (IAP)-catalyzed ADP ribosylation reaction. Our results indicate that agonist-induced desensitization and the phorbol ester-induced desensitization are independent of each other. Although both processes are characterized by increased forskolin- and toxin-induced cyclic AMP accumulations, the former is accompanied by initial cyclic AMP accumulation; the latter is not.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Mutation of the 9' leucine in the GABA(A) receptor gamma2L subunit produces an apparent decrease in desensitization by stabilizing open states without altering desensitized states.

A conserved leucine near the middle (9' position) of the second transmembrane domain of ligand-gated ion channels has been implicated in both gating and desensitization. Specifically, L9'S and L9'T mutations decreased agonist EC50, decreased apparent desensitization and prolonged deactivation in members of the LGIC superfamily, suggesting that this residue may regulate channel properties including desensitization. GABA(A) receptors desensitize in three phases, but in previous 9' leucine studies, only slow phases of desensitization were resolved. We used excised patches containing alpha1beta3gamma2L or alpha1beta3gamma2L(L9'S) GABA(A) receptors and combined single channel recording and concentration jump techniques to reevaluate the effects of this mutation on desensitization. Although desensitization extent was decreased in mutated channels, desensitization still occurred in three phases, suggesting that desensitized states may be intact. Interestingly, deactivation rate was slowed by the mutation, opposite to that expected if desensitization was attenuated. alpha1beta3gamma2L(L9'S) receptor single channels had increased open durations. Simulations revealed that stabilizing the open state (by decreasing the channel closing rate) could account for multiple macroscopic findings: left-shifted GABA EC50, smaller extent of desensitization, slower desensitization rate, and longer deactivation. We concluded that changes in efficacy can alter macroscopic desensitization without affecting desensitized states per se.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Rapid desensitization of the TRH receptor and persistent desensitization of its constitutively active mutant.

We studied rapid desensitization of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRH-R) or the m1-muscarinic receptor (m1-R) to a short challenge of threshold TRH concentration and persistent desensitization due to constitutive activity of a mutant TRH-R. Xenopus oocytes expressing TRH-Rs and/or m1-Rs were challenged for 15 s with threshold concentrations of TRH ([TRH]) and then immediately with supraoptimal [TRH] or acetylcholine ([ACh]). The threshold challenge caused desensitization of 50 - 57% of responses to subsequent supraoptimal stimulation with TRH or ACh. The homologous desensitization was reversible within 60 s after removal of the agonist. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, chelerythrine, inhibited the control responses by 30 - 40%, without affecting the desensitized responses. Chelerythrine or the phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid, had little effect on the kinetics of resensitization, indicating limited involvement of PKC. In oocytes coexpressing wild type TRH-Rs or m1-Rs with a constitutively active TRH-R mutant (C335Stop TRH-R), a persistent desensitization (33 - 57%) of the responses to TRH or ACh was observed. Additionally, there was a complete loss of the rapid desensitization induced by threshold [TRH]. Chlorodiazepoxide (CDE), a competitive binding antagonist of TRH-Rs and an inverse agonist of C335Stop TRH-Rs, abolished the persistent desensitization induced by C335Stop TRH-Rs and enabled the rapid desensitization, conferring the wild type phenotype on C335Stop TRH-Rs. Chelerythrine had qualitatively the same effect as CDE. In conclusion, unlike the rapid desensitization, the persistent desensitization caused by the constitutively active C335Stop TRH-Rs is largely mediated by PKC. It abrogates, however, the rapid desensitization, suggesting a common mechanistic step(s).

Acetylcholine↗

Desensitization of the turkey erythrocyte beta-adrenergic receptor in a cell-free system. Evidence that multiple protein kinases can phosphorylate and desensitize the receptor.

We have used a recently developed cell-free system (cell lysate) derived from turkey erythrocytes to explore the potential role of cAMP-activated and other protein kinase systems in desensitizing the adenylate cyclase-coupled beta-adrenergic receptor. Desensitization by the agonist isoproterenol required more than simple occupancy of the receptor by the agonist since under conditions where adenylate cyclase was not activated, no desensitization occurred. As in whole cells, addition of cyclic nucleotides to the cell lysate produced only approximately 50% of the maximal isoproterenol-induced desensitization obtainable. Addition of the purified cAMP-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme plus isoproterenol to isolated turkey erythrocyte plasma membranes mimicked the submaximal desensitization induced in lysates by cAMP. This effect was entirely blocked by the specific inhibitor of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. By contrast, maximal desensitization induced in lysates by isoproterenol was only approximately 50% attenuated by the protein kinase inhibitor. In the lysate preparations, isoproterenol was also shown to induce, in a stereospecific fashion, phosphorylation of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Phosphorylation promoted by isoproterenol was attenuated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor to the same extent as desensitization (i.e. approximately 50%). Phorbol diesters also promoted receptor desensitization and phosphorylation in cell lysates. The desensitization was mimicked by incubation of isolated turkey erythrocyte membranes with partially purified preparations of protein kinase C plus phorbol diesters. In the cell lysate, calmodulin also promoted receptor phosphorylation and desensitization which was blocked by EGTA. Desensitization of adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol, phorbol diesters, and calmodulin was not observed to be additive. These findings suggest that: (a) multiple protein kinase systems, including cAMP-dependent, protein kinase C-dependent, and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinases, are capable of regulating beta-adrenergic receptor function via phosphorylation reactions and that (b) cAMP may not be the sole mediator of isoproterenol-induced phosphorylation and desensitization in these cells.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Kinetic and pharmacological characterization of desensitizing and non-desensitizing glutamate-gated chloride channels in cockroach neurons.

Glutamate-gated chloride channels (GluCls) are found only in invertebrate nerve and muscle, where they mediate inhibitory synaptic transmission, and are important target sites of insecticides. Two GluCl subtypes have previously been distinguished in isolated cockroach CNS neurons based on differential pharmacology. The present study characterizes the kinetics and pharmacological properties of desensitizing and non-desensitizing GluCls. Both types of GluCls were sensitive to glutamate and ibotenic acid. The non-desensitizing GluCl subtype was elicited by glutamate with an EC(50) of 115.8 microM and a Hill coefficient of 2.6 and was also sensitive to the agonist ibotenic acid with an EC(50) of 42 microM and a Hill coefficient of 1.7. The desensitizing and non-desensitizing currents were carried by chloride ions, and occurred either separately or in combination in individual neurons. The GluCls were also found to coexist with and function independently of the GABA-activated chloride channels. The desensitizing and non-desensitizing GluCls exhibited different sensitivities to the ligand-gated channel blocker picrotoxinin. The desensitizing GluCls were blocked only 8% by 30 microM picrotoxinin, whereas the non-desensitizing GluCls were potently blocked by picrotoxinin with an IC(50) of 4.1 microM. The insecticides fipronil and dieldrin at 1 microM inhibited the desensitizing currents by 56 and 13%, respectively, and the non-desensitizing currents by 98 and 43%, respectively. It is concluded that the two types of GluCls found in cockroach neurons exhibit significantly different electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics.

Animals↗

Structural determinants of fast desensitization and desensitization-deactivation coupling in GABAa receptors.

Fast IPSCs in the brain are predominantly caused by presynaptic release of GABA that activates GABA(A) receptor (GABA(A)R) channels. The IPSCs are shaped by the gating and desensitization properties of postsynaptic GABA(A)Rs. Specifically, fast desensitization has been suggested to decrease IPSC amplitude and to increase IPSC duration by slowing deactivation; however, the mechanisms underlying desensitization, deactivation, and their coupling are poorly understood. Consistent with this suggestion, alpha1beta3gamma2L GABA(A)Rs desensitize with a prominent fast phase and deactivate slowly, whereas alpha1beta3delta GABA(A)Rs desensitize without a fast phase and deactivate rapidly. Using the concentration-jump technique applied to excised patches, we studied GABA(A)Rs containing chimeras or exchange mutants between delta and gamma2L subunits to gain insight into the structural bases for fast desensitization and its coupling to deactivation. We demonstrated that the N terminus and two adjacent residues (V233, Y234) in the first transmembrane domain (TM1) of the delta subunit were both required to abolish fast desensitization. Additionally, these residues in TM1 of the gamma2L subunit (Y235, F236) were critical for desensitized states to prolong deactivation after removal of GABA, because mutations resulted in accelerated deactivation despite unaltered desensitization time course. Interestingly, control of desensitization and deactivation was independent of the identity (gamma2L or delta subunit sequence) of TM2, indicating that structures related to the putative channel gate may play a less direct role in desensitization than previously suggested.

Animals↗

Subtype-selective desensitization of alpha 2-adrenergic receptors. Different mechanisms control short and long term agonist-promoted desensitization of alpha 2C10, alpha 2C4, and alpha 2C2.

We have recently shown that the alpha 2C10 adrenergic receptor (AR) undergoes short term agonist-promoted desensitization, mediated by phosphorylation of sites in the third intracellular loop. There is significant divergence in the third loop amino acid sequences between alpha 2C10 and the other subtypes, alpha 2C4 and alpha 2C2. We therefore explored the mechanisms of alpha 2AR subtype desensitization by expressing each human subtype in Chinese hamster ovary cells and subjecting them to short and long term epinephrine exposures. After 30 min of agonist exposure, alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C2 displayed desensitization characterized by rightward shifts in the curves for epinephrine-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (EC50 = alpha 2C10, 0.24 +/- 0.02 microM increasing to 1.1 +/- 0.1 microM; alpha 2C2, 1.3 +/- 0.3 increasing to 2.6 +/- 0.3 microM). Coincident with alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C2 desensitizations were decreases in agonist high affinity binding. In contrast, alpha 2C4 underwent no functional desensitization after short term agonist exposure, nor were there any changes in agonist high affinity binding. Agonist-promoted receptor sequestration was clearly greater with alpha 2C10 (approximately 26%) and alpha 2C2 (approximately 35%) as compared to alpha 2C4 (approximately 12%), but such sequestration did not play a significant role in short term desensitization, as blockade with concanavalin A had no effect on desensitization patterns. In contrast to these findings, all alpha 2AR subtypes underwent desensitization after prolonged (24 h) agonist exposure. However, alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C2 displayed substantially more desensitization (approximately 20-fold increase in EC50) as compared to alpha 2C4 (approximately 5-fold increase). The primary mechanism of desensitization during long term agonist exposure was found to be a decrease in the amount of cellular Gi, which was equivalent in magnitude in cells expressing all three subtypes. However, in addition to a decrease in Gi, alpha 2C10 and alpha 2C2 underwent down-regulation of receptor levels during long term agonist exposure, while alpha 2C4 did not. Given that all three subtypes bind endogenous catecholamines with high affinity and inhibit adenylyl cyclase efficiently, the significance of multiple subtypes has heretofore been obscure. Our results show that alpha 2AR undergo subtype-selective desensitization to agonists and suggest that alpha 2AR subtypes may have evolved to meet differing needs for adaptive regulation.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

Homologous desensitization of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Functional integrity of the desensitized receptor from mammalian lung.

Previous work has demonstrated that injection of rats with isoproterenol is rapidly (10 min) followed by the development of a homologous form of desensitization of the beta-agonist-coupled adenylate cyclase in lung membranes. Half the receptor pool becomes sequestered in a light membrane fraction while the other half remains in the plasma membranes but becomes functionally uncoupled. In the present work we sought to assess whether "local sequestration" of the functionally intact receptor away from the effector adenylate cyclase in the plasma membrane contributes to the uncoupling of the beta-adrenergic receptor observed in the plasma membranes. We tested the functionality of the desensitized beta-adrenergic receptor in three different ways. We reconstituted the affinity chromatography purified control and "desensitized" receptors with pure Ns from human erythrocytes and assessed the ability to induce GTPase activity in Ns. Both control and desensitized beta-adrenergic receptors stimulate similar levels of GTPase activity in Ns (852 +/- 38 versus 738 +/- 49 fmol of Pi released/30 min (p greater than 0.05, n = 4). To further assess the relative ability of control and desensitized beta-adrenergic receptors to couple to another source of Ns we fused reconstituted beta-adrenergic receptors to Xenopus laevis erythrocytes, which contain Ns and adenylate cyclase but essentially no beta-adrenergic receptors. The functional interactions of control and desensitized beta-adrenergic receptor with the adenylate cyclase system of the acceptor cells was assessed by measuring the beta-agonist-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and the agonist-induced formation of the high affinity state of the beta-adrenergic receptor (RH). Again both control and desensitized beta-adrenergic receptors appeared to interact with Ns to the same extent. To test if a local sequestration of the beta-adrenergic receptor away from Ns within the plasma membrane might contribute to the uncoupling of the beta-adrenergic receptors during desensitization, plasma membranes from control and desensitized lungs were treated with the fusogen polyethylene glycol to disrupt any compartmentalization of protein components within the plasma membrane. After polyethylene glycol treatment the previously uncoupled beta-adrenergic receptors could be recoupled to Ns as assessed by the formation of RH in agonist competition curves. These data suggest that in marked contrast to the heterologous type of desensitization, homologous desensitization may involve a local sequestration of a functionally intact beta-adrenergic receptor away from the adenylate cyclase effector system.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Studies on the mechanism of desensitization of the parathyroid hormone-stimulated calcium signal in UMR-106 cells: reversal of desensitization by alkaline phosphatase but not by protein kinase C downregulation.

The involvement of protein kinase C (PKC), cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and other phosphorylation mechanisms in the rapid desensitization of the [Ca2+]i response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulation was investigated in osteoblast-like UMR-106 cells. A 5 minute preincubation of the cell suspension with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) decreased the response to PTH in a concentration-dependent manner. 1-Oleoyl-2-acetyl-r-glycerol (OAG) pretreatment likewise decreased the PTH response. Staurosporine, a potent protein kinase inhibitor, completely prevented the desensitization caused by PDB. These PDB and staurosporine effects were also observed in 3 mM EGTA-containing medium ([Ca2+]free < 10(-8) M). A 5 minute pretreatment of cells with 1 microM forskolin had no effect on the calcium response to PTH. Homologous and PDB-induced desensitizations differed in several respects. Staurosporine pretreatment resulted in only a slight restoration of the PTH response under conditions of homologous desensitization. Chronic treatment with phorbol ester prevented the desensitization of the PTH response by acute phorbol treatment but not the homologous desensitization. Both homologous and PDB-induced desensitization were relieved by alkaline phosphatase treatment, consistent with the involvement of phosphorylation in the desensitization. This alkaline phosphatase effect on desensitization was inhibited by L-phenylalanine. These results suggest that PTH receptor homologous desensitization involves phosphorylation process(es) other than or in addition to those of PKC.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

A single mutation of the neurokinin-2 (NK2) receptor prevents agonist-induced desensitization. Divergent conformational requirements for NK2 receptor signaling and agonist-induced desensitization in Xenopus oocytes.

Receptor activation and agonist-induced desensitization of the human neurokinin-2 (NK2) receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes have been investigated. When neurokinin A (NKA) was applied repeatedly at 5-min intervals, the second and subsequent applications gave no responses. This desensitization was not observed with the specific agonists (Lys3, Gly8-R-gamma-lactam-Leu9)NKA(3-10) (GR64349) or (Nle10)-NKA(4-10). However, in the presence of the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine, stimulation with GR64349 or (Nle10)-NKA(4-10) induced receptor desensitization. In contrast, the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-31-8220 was not able to enhance GR64349-mediated desensitization. We created a mutation (F248S) in the third cytoplasmic loop of NK2 that impairs NKA-induced desensitization. In the presence of either staurosporine or Ro-31-8220, the mutant receptor was desensitized in response to NKA application but not to GR64349. Also, truncation mutants delta 62 and delta 87, lacking serine and threonine residues in the cytoplasmic COOH-terminal tail, were functionally active and were partially resistant to desensitization. These observations indicate that 1) there are different conformational requirements for NK2 receptor signalling and agonist-induced desensitization, 2) the third intracellular loop and the cytoplasmic tail of NK2 are functional domains important for agonist-induced desensitization, and 3) some agonists at the NK2 receptor cause much more desensitization than others and suggest that this might result from phosphorylation by receptor-specific kinases and other non-identified protein kinases.

Alkaloids↗

Oral irritation by mustard oil: self-desensitization and cross-desensitization with capsaicin.

We investigated the temporal pattern of oral irritation elicited by sequential application of mustard oil (allyl-isothiocyanate), and whether it exhibits self-desensitization and cross-desensitization with capsaicin. Mustard oil (0.125%, 40 micro l) was sequentially applied to one side of the tongue at 1 min intervals, and subjects rated the intensity of the irritant sensation elicited by each stimulus. Ratings successively declined across trials, indicating desensitization. In contrast, sequential application of capsaicin (10 ppm) elicited irritation that increased in intensity across trials (sensitization). To test for self-desensitization by mustard oil, a 10 min hiatus was imposed following the series of unilateral mustard oil stimuli, after which mustard oil was applied to both sides of the tongue. In a two-alternative forced-choice paradigm, subjects chose which side had stronger irritation and also independently rated the irritant intensity on each side. A significant majority of subjects chose the side not previously receiving mustard oil as more intense, and assigned significantly higher intensity ratings to that side, indicating self-desensitization. In two additional sessions, the same paradigm was used to show mustard oil cross-desensitization of irritation elicited by capsaicin, and capsaicin cross-desensitization of irritation from mustard oil. In a final session, sequential application of mustard oil at faster (20 s) intervals initially evoked a sensitizing pattern followed by desensitization. The temporal patterns of oral irritation exhibited by mustard oil, and its reciprocal cross-desensitization with capsaicin, are similar to those of menthol and nicotine.

Administration, Oral↗

Heterologous desensitization of the human dopamine D1 receptor in Y1 adrenal cells and in a desensitization-resistant Y1 mutant.

In previous studies, mutant clones (designated Y1DR) were isolated that resisted ACTH-induced homologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase. The Y1DR mutation also conferred resistance to the homologous desensitization induced by agonist stimulation of transfected beta 2-adrenergic receptors. These observations suggested that ACTH and beta 2-adrenergic agonists homologously desensitized adenylyl cyclase in Y1 cells by a common mechanism. In the present study, parental Y1 cells (Y1DS) and the Y1DR mutant were transfected with the gene encoding the human dopamine D1 receptor and examined for regulation of adenylyl cyclase by dopaminergic agonists. Transformants were isolated from both cell lines and shown to respond to dopamine agonists with increases in adenylyl cyclase activity. Treatment of the Y1DS transformants with ACTH promoted a rapid, homologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase and had little effect on the responses to dopamine or NaF; treatment of Y1DS with dopaminergic agonists promoted a slower rate of heterologous desensitization that diminished responsiveness of the adenylyl cyclase system to dopamine, ACTH, and NaF. Y1DR cells transfected with the dopamine D1 receptor were resistant to the heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase induced by dopaminergic agonists. These latter observations suggest that the pathways of homologous desensitization and heterologous desensitization converge at a common point in the desensitization pathway defined by the DR mutation in Y1 cells.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗

Antigen-induced Fc receptor-dependent and -independent B cell desensitization. An elevation in [Ca2+]i is not sufficient and protein kinase C activation is not required for these pathways of surface IgM-mediated desensitization.

The interaction of an Ag ligand with its B cell surface Ig (sIg) receptor can occur via an FcR-dependent or -independent pathway. We previously found that transfected TNP-specific B cells undergo both Ca2+ signaling and desensitization upon interaction with the thymus-dependent Ag TNP-OVA. Similarly, we showed that these B cells can also be desensitized by cross-linking sIg to the Fc gamma R via the formation of an Ag-antibody bridge. Thus, Ag-specific B cells can be desensitized by two different Ag-dependent events, one mediated by Ag-sIg interaction and the other by sIg-Fc gamma R cross-linking. Inasmuch as Ag-sIg and sIg-Fc gamma R interactions lead to positive and negative signaling, it was of interest to determine whether B cell desensitization mediated by these interactions occurs by one of the well known signaling pathways in B cells. We found that Ag-induced changes in [Ca2+]i could be readily dissociated from Ag-induced desensitization, indicating that a Ca(2+)-independent pathway is likely responsible for this pathway of desensitization. To determine if PKC plays a role in B cell desensitization mediated by either Ag or sIg-Fc gamma R interaction, PKC was downregulated by long term exposure to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate or inhibited by exposure of cells to staurosporine. The PKC down-regulated and inhibited cells underwent similar Ag- and Fc gamma R-dependent desensitization compared to cells containing active PKC. Taken together, these data indicate that Ag-induced desensitization of B cell signaling likely involves an event(s) that occurs either upstream or independent of Ag-induced elevations in [Ca2+]i and PKC activation.

Alkaloids↗

Desensitization of contract allergy to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene in mice. II. Characteristics of "immediate" desensitization.

The immediate effects and mechanisms of desensitization of contact sensitivity to 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB) were investigated. Mice were sensitized with DNFB, desensitized with antigen 2 weeks later, and challenged 1 day after desensitization. Significant inhibition (approximately 50%) of contact sensitivity was observed after iv injections of large doses of dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) or dinitropenol (DNP)-labeled spleen cells. Haptenated red blood cells (RBC) did not induce any significant immediate desensitization but produced significant inhibition of an anamnestic response 2 weeks later. The immediate desensitization induced by DNBS was antigen nonspecific. Although the contact sensitivity response itself could be inhibited by afferent- or efferent-acting suppressor cells, such cells were not demonstrated in desensitized animals. DNBS appears to desensitize by inactivating effector cells for contact sensitivity, although it appears that suppressor mechanisms could be activated by other physiochemical forms of the desensitizing antigen.

Animals↗

Desensitization of contact allergy to DNFB in mice. III. Characteristics of immediate desensitization induced by haptenated spleen cells.

The immediate effects and mechanisms of desensitization of contact sensitivity to dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) were investigated. Intravenous injection of dinitrophenol (DNP)-labeled syngeneic spleen cells caused significant antigen-specific inhibition (greater than 40%) of the contact response within 24 hr in mice that had been sensitized 2 weeks prior to desensitization. With low concentrations of the hapten used for labeling, allogeneic spleen cells were found to be more efficient than syngeneic ones in inducing the down-regulation of the contact response. The most efficient desensitization was produced by DNP-cells that differed from the recipient at the MLS locus. Haptenated spleen cells induced the production of suppressor mechanisms, as spleen cells from animals desensitized with DNP-cells were able to down-regulate recipients in adoptive transfer and could block the passive transfer of contact sensitivity. Procedures that interfere with the development of suppressor cells, e.g., cyclophosphamide and adult thymectomy, interfered with desensitization by DNP-cells. These results are in contrast to desensitization with soluble dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS), where suppressor mechanisms have not been shown. The mechanisms for desensitization depend upon the form of the desensitizing antigen.

Animals↗