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Phorbol myristate acetate: a mitogen selective for a T-lymphocyte subpopulation
Abstract:
Phorbol myristate acetate (pma) is a potent mitogen for human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) comparable to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in potency. Inactivation of PHA-responsive lymphocytes by 5'-bromodeoxyuridine and light treatment left the PMA response intact and nice versa. Experiments separating lymphocytes by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) demonstrated that the PMA-responsive lymphocytes segregate with those that have a high affinity for SRBC to a greater than PHA- or concanavalin A (Con A)-responsive cells. These results indicate that a PMA-responsive population in human peripheral blood resides within the T-lymphocyte population and appears to have a high affinity for SRBC and to be distinct from that responding to PHA and Con A. PMA may be useful clinically to assay the size and function of the high affinity or "active" rosette population.
Insights
Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activates a distinct T-lymphocyte population in human blood that binds strongly to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). This PMA-responsive subset differs from those activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) is a potent mitogen for human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).
- Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a standard mitogen used for lymphocyte stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the lymphocyte population responsive to PMA.
- To compare the PMA-responsive subset with those responding to PHA and concanavalin A (Con A).
Main Methods:
- Lymphocyte inactivation using 5'-bromodeoxyuridine and light treatment.
- Lymphocyte separation via sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) rosetting.
- Comparative analysis of mitogenic responses.
Main Results:
- PMA-responsive lymphocytes were distinct from PHA- and Con A-responsive cells.
- PMA-responsive lymphocytes showed a higher affinity for SRBC, indicating segregation with high-affinity rosette-forming cells.
- The PMA response remained intact after inactivation of PHA-responsive cells, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- A specific T-lymphocyte subpopulation in human peripheral blood responds to PMA.
- This subpopulation exhibits high affinity for SRBC and is distinct from PHA/Con A responders.
- PMA may serve as a clinical tool to assess the size and function of the high-affinity or "active" rosette population.