DNA synthesis and interferon release by human peripheral lymphocytes exposed to high potassium medium

Lymphocytes have their membrane potential changed during transition from the resting to the active state. On these grounds, we investigated the response of human peripheral lymphocytes to a depolarizing high-potassium (102.7 mM) medium, by assaying cellular incorporation of labeled thymidine and interferon (IFN) release in the culture medium. The greatest effect is evident 3-4 days after preincubation for 120 min in high K+ medium. A temporal correlation has been observed between rate of DNA synthesis and IFN production. The IFN activity is shown to be gamma-type.