[Lymphocyte transformation test with streptococcal antigens in newborn infants and their mothers]

Following streptococcal mitogens and antigens were tested in the lymphocyte transformation test with human cord blood and maternal blood: streptococcal M1- and M19-proteins, mucopeptide, erythrogenic toxins and additional phytohemagglutinin. There are no significant differences in the blastogenic response with the different mitogens and antigens in maternal and cord blood. The cord blood lymphocytes show the same degree of blastogenic reaction to the mitogens and antigens as the maternal lymphocytes, that may reflect the state of readiness for cellular immunological defence. The spontaneous incorporation of 3H-labelled thymidine into cord blood lymphoblasts is significant higher than in lymphoblasts of maternal blood.--The results of specific and unspecific stimulation by means of steptococcal antigens are discussed.