抄録
Previous works show that macrophages promote the in vitro proliferative response of T cells of the guinea pig. However, in most of the past experiments peritoneal exudate cells have been used as macrophages and macrophages separated from the other organ sources were rarely employed up to date.
In order to elucidate the differences in the function of macrophages from different organ sources in an individual non-treated guinea pig, the following experiments were undertaken using purified lymph node T cells passed through nylon wool column, T-cell mitogens (Con A, PHA-P) and Mitomycin C (MMC) -treated accessory cells from three different organ sources (lymph nodes, spleen and lung). The present studies were centered on the demonstration of accessory cell function of alveolar cells on the in vitro proliferative response of T cells because accessory cell functions are not yet fully clarified at present.
The optimal cell number of MMC-treated whole cells in the determination of 3H-TdR uptakes was 1×106 cells and the optimal incubation time in this experimental system was 48 hours. Similar results were obtained in all experimental systems employing the different organ sources of MMC-treated whole cells and in Con A- or PHA-P-stimulated mitogenesis.
In case of MMC-treated alveolar whole cells, however, there was a difference in the levels of T cell 3H-TdR incorporation by mitogenic stimulation in comparison with that from other two organ sources. The levels of 3H-TdR uptake stimulated by Con A were rather lower, while the levels of 3H-TdR uptake by PHA-P were not so much different.
In order to separate the cell fraction having accessory function, adherent cell-rich fractions were separated from the whole cells in three organ sources. The levels of 3H-TdR uptakes in these cell fractions were elevated.
From these rusults, it was clarified that alveolar cells, especially adherent cell-rich fraction, have accessory function on the in vitro proliferative responses of lymph node T cells by mitogenic stimulation.
