title: BALB/cAn B cells and T cells have distinct susceptibilities to cytotoxic effects of snake venom.
abstract: Previous studies have analyzed abilities of snake venoms to preferentially kill certain animal cells. Some studies have examined selective cytotoxic effects of snake venoms on B and T lymphocytes, but few studies have determined abilities of snake venoms to interact with B and T cells at distinct stages of cellular development. Thus, this study has analyzed susceptibilities of immature and mature BALB/cAn splenic B cells and T cells to cytotoxic effects of crude venoms of snakes belonging to the families of Crotalidae, Elapidae, and Viperidae. Both mitogen-stimulated and unstimulated BALB/cAn Ig- splenic T cells are sensitive to cytotoxic effects of snake venoms whereas mitogen-stimulated but not unstimulated Ig+ splenic B lymphocytes are sensitive to snake venoms. We also find that BALB/cAn myelomas but not B cell lymphomas are sensitive to cytotoxic effects of snake venoms. In addition, plaque forming cells making IgG1 subclass in BALB/cAn mitogen-stimulated spleens and in myelomas are preferentially killed by venom of pit viper Bothrops asper. Thus, the cytotoxic effects of crude snake venoms can distinguish BALB/cAn PFC making IgG1 subclass from other B and T cells.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indianapolis 46223.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Minton
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Slack
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D012910:Snake Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D010948:Viral Plaque Assay
chemical_list: D007132:Immunoglobulin Isotypes; D012910:Snake Venoms