title: Cytotoxic and stimulatory effects of antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) on hematopoiesis.
abstract: Four different preparations of antilymphocyte/antithymocyte globulin were tested in vitro for their toxicity to lymphocytes and to hematopoietic precursor cells, depending on concentration and time. Complete lymphocytotoxicity was observed at concentrations from 6.3 to 25 micrograms/ml, and suppression of colony formation by hematopoietic precursors was seen at concentrations from 12.5 to 250 micrograms/ml. Prolonged incubation time did not increase lymphocytotoxicity but augmented precursor cell damage. Lymphocytotoxicity was comparable among the four preparations tested whereas precursor cell toxicity varied widely. Antilymphocyte globulin is mitogenic and stimulates the release of hematopoietic growth factor activity by peripheral blood cells. Absorption of ALG with human T-cells eliminated precursor cell toxicity and mitogenicity but not the capacity to release hematopoietic growth factors. These results show that dose/time schedules for ALG administration may be relevant and ALG acts by virtue of inhibitory and stimulatory antibody effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research, Kantonsspital Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kawano
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nissen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gratwohl
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Würsch
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Speck
mesh_terms: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000633:toxicity*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006801:Humans; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents