[Pathogenesis of neural lesions in Marek's disease. I. Allergic skin reaction against myelin of the peripheral nerves (author's transl)].

23 chickens affected with Marek's disease were tested by the allergic skin reaction for delayed hypersensitivity against myelin and myelin preparations of peripheral nerves. 19 animals proofed to be positive in the skin test, yet there was no correlation with the intensity of the nerve affections. 4 animals with severe mononuclear neural infiltrations didn't show any allergic skin reaction. It could be demonstrated that in Marek's disease lymphocytes are sensitized against components of the peripheral myelin. Thereafter, Marek's disease stands in analogy to the Guillain-Barré syndrome of man, as well as to experimental allergic neuritis.