title: beta2-Microglobulin production by highly purified human T and B lymphocytes in cell culture stimulated with various mitogens.
abstract: This study attempts to evaluate beta2-microglobulin production by highly purified (greater than 98%) peripheral and tonsil T and B lymphocytes cultured with various mitogens. beta2-Microglobulin was measured by the radioimmunoassay method. It was found that PHA and Con A markedly stimulated beta2-microglobulin production in cultures of T but not B lymphocytes. B lymphocytes were greatly activated, on the other hand, by Staphylococcus aureau Cowan I organisms cSpA), though the level of beta2-microglobulin production was less than that observed in PHA- and Con A-stimulated T lymphocytes. PWM only slightly increased beta2-microglobulin production of T lymphocytes, although the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine was highly enhanced. The highest level of beta2-microglobulin obtained with PHA or Con A was observed when the T/B lymphocyte ratio was between 90/10 and 80/20. These results lead to the conclusion that: (1) SpA is a specific mitogen for B lymphocytes, and its mitogenicity is independent of the presence of T lymphocytes, while PHA, Con A, and PWM are ineffective as stimulants of B lymphocytes; (2) the beta2-microglobulin producing ability of B lymphocytes is less than that of T lymphocytes, even when the lymphocytes are markedly activated; (3) the beta2-microglobulin production and DNA synthesis by T lymphocytes is markedly enhanced by the helper effect of B lymphocytes; (4) the level of beta2-microglobulin production reflects lymphocyte activation, especially in T lymphocytes stimulated with PHA or Con A.
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008211:Lymphocyte Cooperation; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D001609:Beta-Globulins; D008934:Mitogens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin