B cell stimulating activity of metallothionein in vitro.
The effect of metallothionein (MT) on lymphocytes was studied in vitro. Rabbit MT induced the proliferative responses of mouse splenocytes at concentrations of 1-25 microg/ml. MT synergistically enhanced Con A- or LPS-induced proliferative response of splenocytes. A similar effect was also observed for rabbit splenocytes at a similar concentration. Free heavy metals such as Cd and Zn only weakly stimulated splenocytes. 2-mercaptoethanol (2-Me) abrogated the effect of MT, suggesting that thiols in MT play an important role for splenocyte response. MT stimulated splenocytes from MT-knockout mice as well as those from normal control mouse. The responder cells for MT stimulation were B cells and MT also induced B cell differentiation to produce Ig. MT induced the calcium influx of B cells, but not T cells. These results indicate that MT has a potent immunomodulating activity, especially on B cells.
Sugiura
T
T
Department of Immunology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, 1-1, Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan. sugiurat@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp
Yamashita
U
U
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008623:Mercaptoethanol / Q000494:pharmacology; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011112:Polymyxin B / Q000494:pharmacology; D011817:Rabbits
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D008623:Mercaptoethanol; D008668:Metallothionein; D011112:Polymyxin B; D002118:Calcium