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In vitro monocyte-lymphocyte interaction influenced by d-penicillamine
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|February 1, 1982
Summary
D-penicillamine (Pen) affects human immune cells in vitro. While Pen can be toxic to lymphocytes, it enhances their response to stimulation when Pen is later removed, potentially explaining its therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- D-penicillamine (Pen) is an immunomodulatory drug.
- Its effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of d-penicillamine on human PBMC, particularly in relation to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation.
- To explore the impact of Pen preincubation on lymphocyte and mononuclear phagocyte (MNP) populations and subsequent mitogenic responses.
Main Methods:
- Human PBMC were incubated with varying concentrations of d-penicillamine (Pen).
- Cells were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) during or after Pen exposure.
- Preincubation protocols involved 10-day incubation periods with Pen.
- Cellular effects were assessed by examining blast-cell formation and cell survival.
Main Results:
- Pen exposure during or after PWM stimulation caused a dose-dependent decrease in blast-cell formation.
- Long-term preincubation with high-dose Pen (100 µg/ml) was toxic to lymphocytes but favored MNP survival.
- Preincubation with Pen, followed by PWM stimulation in the absence of Pen, enhanced blast-cell formation compared to controls.
- Conversely, Pen suppressed blast-cell formation when PWM stimulation occurred in its presence.
Conclusions:
- D-penicillamine exhibits complex immunomodulatory effects on human PBMC in vitro.
- The selective toxicity to lymphocytes and enhancement of MNP survival suggest a role in immune modulation.
- The suppression of blastogenesis in the presence of Pen may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy in certain conditions.