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Suppression of lymphocyte function by products derived from cigarette smoke
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|April 1, 1975
Summary
Nicotine and cigarette smoke components suppress lymphocyte DNA synthesis without causing cell death. This immune system effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced with goat anti-rabbit Fab stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Concanavalin A and goat anti-rabbit Fab are mitogens that stimulate lymphocyte proliferation.
- Nicotine and water-soluble cigarette smoke components are potential immunomodulatory agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dose-dependent effects of nicotine and water-soluble cigarette smoke fraction on lymphocyte transformation.
- To determine if observed suppression is due to cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Rabbit peripheral lymphocytes were stimulated with concanavalin A or goat anti-rabbit Fab.
- Incorporation of H3-thymidine into DNA was measured to assess lymphocyte proliferation.
- Dose-response effects of nicotine and water-soluble fraction were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Both nicotine and water-soluble fraction inhibited H3-thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner.
- Suppression of lymphocyte transformation was not attributed to cytotoxicity.
- Lymphocyte response to goat anti-rabbit Fab was more sensitive to suppression than concanavalin A response.
- Water-soluble fraction exhibited greater suppressive effects than nicotine.
Conclusions:
- Nicotine and water-soluble cigarette smoke fraction inhibit lymphocyte proliferation without being cytotoxic.
- These compounds are not mitogenic, but rather suppress mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation.
- Differential sensitivity of lymphocyte responses to these agents was observed.