Use of various mitogens and cell stimulation index in 21 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

A number of mitogens was used in 21 chronic B-lymphocytic leukaemia patients. Thymidine uptake assays were performed to evaluate cell stimulation. Phytohemagglutinin and phorbol-myristate 13 acetate were found to be the most efficient on cell proliferation. Abnormal clones were found 7 times with PMA, 4 times with PHA, twice with pokeweed, but in no case with lipopolysaccharide or proteine-A. The efficiency of PHA as a B-cell activator is likely to be due to T cell mediation.