Immunopotentiation and anabolism induced by sodium diethyldithiocarbamate

Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, DTC, enhances over a large range of doses macrophage listericidal capacity and T cell activities in terms of increased IgG-antibody forming spleen cells and delayed hypersensitivity levels. Such immunopotentiation is not associated with splenomegalia or increase in lymphocyte counts. Immunopotentiation requires a preexisting link between carbon disulfide and diethylamine, since both moieties were inactive if administered alone or on separate body sites. DTC demonstrates also an anabolic effect on mice emanciated by administering a B. melitensis cell-wall fraction. The role of DTC on hormonal production is discussed in relation to hormone-mediated action on T cell induction.