Human monocyte heterogeneity: interleukin 1 and prostaglandin E2 production by separate subsets

Human peripheral blood monocytes were separated into four different subpopulations by means of a discontinuous bovine serum albumin gradient. Of the least dense population, 7% were present in fraction A, 11% in fraction B, 28% in fraction C and of the most dense, 34% were in fraction D. The rest (17%) of the recovered cells sedimented as a pellet, of which 95% were dead. The monocytes of fraction D (= greater than or equal to 1.075 kg/l) were major interleukin 1 (IL 1) producers and their presence enhanced immunoglobulin synthesis in vitro. Fraction C (= greater than or equal to 1.070 kg/l) were the major prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) producers and demonstrated suppressor activity on in vitro IgG and IgM synthesis. Fractions A and B had minimal production of either IL 1 or PGE2 and lesser effects on the IgG and IgM synthesis. These data demonstrate functional heterogeneity of peripheral blood monocytes with respect to production of both IL 1 and PGE2 as well as accessory cells for immunoglobulin synthesis.