title: Age-related changes in mitogen-induced lymphocyte function from birth to old age.
abstract: This study examines the relationship between age and mitogen-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis. Lymphocytes were stimulated with PHA; Concanavalin A (Con A), and PWM in 156 normal, healthy subjects ranging in age from birth to 75 years. The findings indicate a gradual but significant decrease in PHA- and Con A-induced blastogenesis with increasing age. The decrease in Con A and PHA induced in vitro lymphocyte function begins in early childhood and young adulthood, respectively, and continues throughout the age range studied. In addition, there appears to be a decreased range of lymphocyte functional capacity among the 50-75-year-old subjects. The clinical and laboratory implications of these observations are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D008934:Mitogens