No abstract

The correlation between lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens and T4/T8 ratios was analyzed in a cross section of patients who either were in a high-risk group for HTLV-III infection or fulfilled clinical criteria for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient results showed that, correlated with decreased T4/T8 ratios, there was a decrease in mitogen responsiveness first to pokeweed mitogen (PWM), followed by concanavalin A (Con A) and then phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Parallel to this decrease there was a shift toward higher concentrations of mitogens needed for optimal proliferation. In comparison, depletion of T4+ lymphocytes from normal healthy controls also decreased lymphocyte proliferative responses to all three mitogens but shifted the amount of mitogen needed for optimal proliferation toward lower concentrations. The differences in mitogen-induced proliferation between patients and healthy controls suggest a model whereby there is a functional defect(s) in mitogen responsiveness of the remaining T4- lymphocyte population that can be overcome when higher concentrations of mitogen are used.

No abstract

involved in the action of peptide hormones, startling in its breadth of coverage. Professor Catt came armed with no less than 6 other seminars -a remarkable achievement. The greatest demand was for those on angiotensin and aldosterone, as well as those on the gonadotrophin-releasing hormones. He had detailed laboratory discussions with between 5 and 12 endocrine investigators each day, and all remarked on his perspicacity and helpfulness in discussing their research. Professor Catt proved to be indefatigable, despite what a distinguished British professor described as 'an itinerary for his destruction', and the educational value of his visits to young British researchers proved immense. Perhaps his only moments of peace and quiet were on a train, or when staying at the Domus Medica. He was, of course, entertained by the Clinical Endocrinology Trustees and also by the officers of the Section of Endocrinology.The value of such visits, however, is not just oneway, and is well exemplified by Professor Catt's remark to me that he had not previously realized how well focused is British endocrine research, nor how diverse. British endocrinology and the Section of Endocrinology in particular express their gratitude to Professor Catt and the Trustees for making such a marvellous visit possible.