Analysis of some functions of maternal and cord blood lymphocytes

Various immunological investigations were performed on lymphocytes from pregnant women at the time of delivery and on cord blood cells. The results thus obtained show that: -- An appreciable number of in vitro responses to various antigens is observed among the cord blood specimens. They correlate with a corresponding positive test with the maternal blood. -- The stimulability of maternal lymphocytes to PHA and Con-A is within normal limits, whereas cord blood lymphocytes respond poorly to these two mitogens. -- The percentage of rosette forming T cells is very low in the cord blood and normal in maternal blood. -- The MLC in maternal-cord blood co-cultured show a significant inhibitory effect due to cord blood cells distinct from maternal cells. -- Cord blood lymphocytes show a normal capacity to elaborate the two lymphocytes LIF and LMF. On the other hand, the capacity of maternal lymphocytes to synthetize LMF seems to be strongly impaired. -- An inhibitory factor for PHA-stimulated mitogenic response is present in maternal serum whereas it is absent in the cord serum. -- Maternal serum IgG is significantly decreased when compared to that of normal controls. The values for IgM, IgA and IgE are within normal ranges. The cord blood IgG is slightly higher than that of the mothers. The values for IgM, IgA and IgE are very low and irregularly present.