Phytohemagglutinin-induced Lymphocyte Transformation in Liver Diseases and in Asymptomatic HB_sAg Carriers

Abstract

Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced lymphocyte transformation was impaired in acute viral hepatitis. It was significantly correlated with grades of liver cell damage as shown by prothrombin time, GOT, or GPT. It was also lower in drug-induced hepatitis and in prolonged hepatitis than in controls. Of asymptomatic HB, Ag carriers, only those with minimal hepatic change showed lower values in stimulation index as well as incorporated radioactivity.