Modulation of human lymphocyte response by cartilage proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans--a comparison between normal subjects and patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Nozoe, M.; Dennis, M.V.; Herman, J.H.
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology 12(4): 369-381
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0090-1229 PMID: 455791 DOI: 10.1016/0090-1229(79)90042-4
Accession: 005914831
With recognition of the effectual capacity of microenvironment in influencing the inductive and effector expression of immunologic function, studies were undertaken to determine the potential regulatory role of basic connective tissue constituents on spontaneous and phytomitogen-induced lymphocyte DNA synthesis. Proteoglycan constituent fractions and glycosaminoglycans derived from normal human cartilage were capable of modulating spontaneous DNA synthesis and the PHA [phytohemagglutinin] responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes derived from normal subjects and patients having destructive rheumatoid arthritis. Dependent upon the fraction employed, its concentration and duration of cell exposure, spontaneous as well as mitogen-induced synthesis could be stimulated and/or suppressed without significant effect upon lymphocyte viability. Under conditions in which connective tissue fractions themselves induced suppressive effects on synthesis, the affected population was more responsive in a relative or absolute manner to mitogenic stimulation. Reciprocally, direct lymphocyte stimulation was associated with suppressed mitogen responsiveness. Rheumatoid response clearly differed from that of normal subjects.