Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 14, 2010
[Effect of PHA on lymphocyte respiratory activity in mice]
Abstract:
A study of the intensity of oxygen consumption by mice lymphocytes at different stages of cultivation with PHA showed a pronounced increase of the respiratory activity beginning from the 14th hour. Maximum values of oxygen consumption by stimulated cells were observed at the 16th and 30th hours of cultivation (before the beginning of blastogenesis and before the maximum uptake of H3-thymidine, respectively.
Insights
Mice lymphocyte oxygen consumption significantly increases after 14 hours of cultivation with PHA. Peak respiratory activity in these stimulated cells occurs at 16 and 30 hours, preceding key cellular events.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lymphocytes play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a common mitogen used to stimulate lymphocytes.
- Understanding lymphocyte activation is key to immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the respiratory activity of mouse lymphocytes during cultivation with PHA.
- To determine the temporal dynamics of oxygen consumption following PHA stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Culturing mouse lymphocytes with PHA.
- Measuring oxygen consumption intensity at various time points.
- Assessing cell proliferation markers like H3-thymidine uptake.
Main Results:
- A significant rise in oxygen consumption was observed starting from the 14th hour of PHA cultivation.
- Peak oxygen consumption rates were recorded at 16 and 30 hours post-stimulation.
- These peaks preceded the onset of blastogenesis and maximum H3-thymidine incorporation.
Conclusions:
- PHA stimulation markedly enhances lymphocyte respiratory activity.
- Oxygen consumption is a sensitive indicator of early lymphocyte activation.
- The timing of metabolic changes correlates with key events in lymphocyte proliferation.
