ISSN:
1365-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Previous studies have shown that in vitro stimulation of human B lymphocytes with antigens such as ovalbumin (OA) induces the Formation of small antigen-specific plaque-forming cells (PFC) but precludes the activation of the B cells into full-blown antibody-secreting cells insufficient production of T cell-derived growth and differentiation factors appears to be the basis of the phenomenon. Furthermore, cord blood B lymphocytes required 100 limes less OA to become activated in vitro into antigen-specific PFC, and the distinct antigen-handling capacities of neonatal monocytes are the basis of this result. We have studied the role of interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the in vitro response of B lymphocytes from either cord blood or adult blood to OA. Addition of IL-1 to the B-cell cultures significantly increased the number of PFC. and about 50% of the plaques now appeared to be high-rate IgM anti-OA secreting PFC. The IL-1 -mediated increase in the PFC response was shown to be based on potentiation of T-helper cell activity. The differences between cord blood and adult blood mononuclear cells in the optimal OA concentration required for effective in vitro activation of B cells remained the same upon addition of II-1 This result shows that the phenomenon is independent of IL-1.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.1990.tb03185.x
Permalink
