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[Discrimination of nonspecific effects in the macrophage-electrophoretic-mobility test using dimethyl sulfoxide]
Abstract:
Upon incubation with human encephalitogenic protein (HEP) blood lymphocytes from patients with malignant tumours release mediators (lymphokines) leading to a decreased electrophoretic mobility of guinea pig peritoneal macrophages. The lymphocyte supernatants used for incubating the macrophages contain HEP, nonspecific lymphocyte-derived proteins, and in case of sensitized lymphocytes also specific mediators. Whereas HEP or nonspecific lymphocyte products do not themselves exert any effect on macrophages, they produce a nonspecific mobility reduction when acting simultaneously. In the presence of 2.4% (v/v) dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) this nonspecific effect is prevented. The specific lymphokine action, however, remains stable in the presence of DMSO. It cannot be decided whether DMSO exerts its effect via the membrane of macrophages or/and by influencing the interactions of proteins in the soluble phase.
Insights
Human encephalitogenic protein (HEP) triggers lymphocytes from cancer patients to release lymphokines. These mediators reduce macrophage mobility, an effect blocked by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) while specific lymphokine activity persists.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Context:
- Investigating the interaction between lymphocytes and macrophages in the context of cancer.
- Understanding the role of lymphokines in modulating immune cell function.
- Exploring the effects of human encephalitogenic protein (HEP) on immune responses.
Purpose:
- To determine if lymphocytes from cancer patients release mediators affecting macrophage electrophoretic mobility upon stimulation with HEP.
- To characterize the nature of these mediators and their interaction with macrophages.
- To investigate the influence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on these cellular interactions.
Summary:
- Lymphocytes from cancer patients, when incubated with HEP, release lymphokines that decrease guinea pig macrophage electrophoretic mobility.
- This non-specific reduction in mobility is observed when HEP and non-specific lymphocyte products act together.
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) prevents the non-specific mobility reduction but preserves specific lymphokine activity, suggesting a role in protein interactions or cell membrane modulation.
Impact:
- Provides insights into immune dysregulation in cancer patients.
- Identifies potential mechanisms by which lymphokines influence macrophage function.
- Suggests DMSO as a tool to differentiate between specific and non-specific immune mediator effects.