The Leucocyte Response in the Rabbit to Pyrogen from Proteus Vulgaris; Part I. Mononuclear and Temperature Responses

Abstract

Summary Rabbit leucocyte response to a freeze-dried pyrogen from Proteus vulgaris was investigated and differential counts were carried out. The relative percentage of small lymphocytes fell, the maximum fall occurring about three hours after injection. The fall was expressed as a percentage of the initial level. At the high dose level injected, the small lymphocyte percentage fall had a coefficient of variation of 20 per cent, and the temperature rise a coefficient of 39 per cent. At the two lower dose levels the responses were of equal variability. The small lymphocyte response remained quantitative over the three doses studied but the temperature response failed to distinguish between the middle and high doses chosen.