Multiparametric analysis of nuclei from activated B and T lymphocytes of rhesus monkeys

The physical parameters of nuclear size and granularity, and the biological parameters of nuclear protein and DNA content were simultaneously measured by the flow cytometric analysis of mitogen-activated Rhesus monkey lymphocytes. These experiments were performed with the purpose of establishing baseline values for mitogenic assays of Rhesus monkey blood lymphocytes, when examined by the flow cytometric analysis of their nuclear DNA and protein content, and their nuclear light scatter characteristics. Significant proliferative responses to the mitogens PHA, PWM, Con A, and LPS were observed in these experiments. Simultaneous value determinations of DNA content/size, protein content/granularity, DNA content/granularity and DNA/protein content, showed a direct correlation among them, for all mitogens utilized. These results demonstrate the validity of assessing those parameters in the study of in vitro simian lymphocyte activation and that these assays provide a promising tool for the evaluation of changes in lymphocytic function caused by some viral infections in this experimental model.