Effect of cerebral hemisphere decortication on the cytotoxic activity of natural killer and natural cytotoxic lymphocytes in the mouse

A comparison was made of the effects of left and right cerebral decortication on cytotoxic activity of natural killer and natural cytotoxic lymphocytes in the mouse. Natural killer cytotoxic activity was significantly reduced after right decortication, whereas left decortication led to a less pronounced, though still significant fall. The cytotoxic activity of natural cytotoxic cells, on the other hand, was significantly i increased, particularly 15 days after left decortication. These findings mirror the results of previously published personal findings following electrothermocoagulation of the hypothalamus. The suggestion is made that the cortex and the hypothalamus form an integrated system for the control of certain aspects of natural immunity.