Mitogen stimulation during rosette formation: a test to measure numbers and function of T, B, 'D' and 'null' lymphocytes in man.
A technically simple procedure is described for simultaneous determination of numbers and functions of human blood lymphocyte subpopulations. The method is based on stimulation with mitogens (PHA, Con A and PWM) with simultaneous rosetting to detect E receptors and C3 receptors. Con A and PWM activate the affinity of C3 receptors in normal lymphocytes increasing the number of cells rosetting with zymosan-complement particles, and also the number of cells giving rosettes with both zymosan-complement particles and sheep red blood cells (B cells and 'D' cells respectively). PHA activates E receptors, increasing the number of T cells detected. The lymphocytes of 33 patients with allergic diseases of the skin and respiratory tract showed a decrease in C3 rosettes during stimulation with Con A and PWM, which suggests a defect of helper and suppressor functions of lymphocytes in these patients.
D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D001607:Berylliosis / Q000276:immunology; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D004485:Eczema / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D012397:Rosette Formation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D008934:Mitogens; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D003208:Concanavalin A