Culture medium components modify the effects exerted by alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on lymphocyte response

Incorporation of [methyl-3H]thymidine to DNA of lymphocytes cultured in the presence of various concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) from human cord blood serum was investigated. It was found that AFP by itself does not exert mitogenic effects. In phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated cultures it may inhibit DNA biosynthesis or exert augmentative effects on this process dependent on the composition of the culture medium.