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Lack of inhibition by mouse alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) of in vitro induced lymphocyte blastogenesis
Abstract:
Mouse amniotic fluids (MAF) were tested for their inhibitory effect on the transformation of lymphocytes by concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin or lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli, and on mixed lymphocyte cultures. Eight of the thirteen samples tested contained inhibitory activity equal or superior to 50 % of the controls. Pure preparations of mousealpha-foetoprotein (AFP) were obtained from these or other MAF-pools by immunoadsorption and/or by affinity chromatography on oestradiol-Sepharose. None of the isolated samples of AFP, whether originating from immunosuppressive MAF-pools or from pools lacking activity, exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the in vitro transformation of lymphocytes. The suppressive properties of the MAF samples and the non-suppressive activity of samples of pure AFP were not affected by the addition of oestradiol-17 beta or after removal of endogenous oestrogens by exhaustive dialysis against 15 % dioxan solutions.
Insights
Mouse amniotic fluids (MAF) can suppress lymphocyte transformation, but purified mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) does not show this immunosuppressive activity. This suggests other factors in MAF are responsible for the observed immune modulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mouse amniotic fluids (MAF) have been anecdotally reported to possess immunosuppressive properties.
- Lymphocyte transformation assays are standard methods for evaluating immune cell activation and response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunosuppressive effects of MAF on lymphocyte transformation.
- To determine if mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is responsible for the observed immunosuppressive activity in MAF.
Main Methods:
- Lymphocyte transformation assays were performed using concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, and lipopolysaccharide.
- Mixed lymphocyte cultures were utilized to assess immune cell interactions.
- Purification of mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was achieved through immunoadsorption and affinity chromatography.
- Oestrogen levels were manipulated by adding oestradiol-17 beta or removing endogenous oestrogens via dialysis.
Main Results:
- Eight out of thirteen MAF samples exhibited significant inhibitory activity on lymphocyte transformation.
- Purified mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) showed no significant inhibitory effect on lymphocyte transformation, regardless of its origin from suppressive or non-suppressive MAF.
- The observed suppressive properties of MAF and the lack of activity in purified AFP were not altered by oestradiol-17 beta or oestrogen removal.
Conclusions:
- The immunosuppressive activity found in MAF is not attributable to mouse alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
- Other unidentified components within MAF likely mediate the observed immunosuppression.
- Oestrogens do not appear to be the primary mediators of MAF's immunosuppressive effects in this context.