Lymphokine Production in Primary Mixed Lymphocyte Reactions

Abstract

The characteristics of the responder and stimulating cells involved in migration inhibition factor (MIF) production in primary ‘one-way’ mouse mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) were analyzed by using an indirect agarose droplet assay. T-lymphocytes are mainly responsible for MIF release, as shown by pretreatment with anti-Thy 1.2 serum plus complement or purification over a nylon wool column. On the other hand, macrophages and B-lymphocytes appear to be optimal stimulating cells. T-lymphocytes as stimulating cells induce MIF release, but to a much lesser degree than macrophages and B-lymphocytes. The kinetics of MIF production in MLR is related to the kind of stimulating cells employed. Lastly, the ability to release MIF is already present in the spleens of 1- to 2-week-old mice, lasts until 20 weeks of age and declines to undetectable levels at 50 weeks of age.