Changes in the expression of SRBC receptors on human lymphocytes caused by azathioprine and puromycine

The expression of human peripheral T lymphocyte receptors for sheep red blood cells in vitro was investigated. Changes in the expression of SRBC receptors were analysed in successive culture days depending on the stimulation of lymphocytes by PHA or Con A and the action of immunosuppressive agents, such as azathioprine and puromycine. The SRBC receptor variability of expression in cultures of whole peripheral blood lymphocytes was compared with that of T lymphocytes subpopulation isolated by the rosetting method. The experiments demonstrated: a) the appearance of different morphological E rosette types in cultures stimulated by plant mitogens, b) the inhibition of SRBC receptor expression by azathioprine and puromycine on lymphocytes from stimulated and non-stimulated cultures, c) higher sensitivity of SRBC receptors to immunosuppressive agents on cultured isolated T lymphocytes, d) the difference of azathioprine and puromycine action on the ability to form all types of E rosettes in stimulated and nonstimulated cultures.