Phenotypic and functional characteristics of active suppressor cells against IFN-gamma production in PHA-stimulated cord blood lymphocytes.

Cord blood mononuclear cells (MNC) were defective in their ability to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or recombinant interleukin 2, whereas cord MNC could induce comparable amounts of IFN-gamma with adult controls on stimulation with a streptococcal preparation, OK-432. Moreover, irradiation of cord MNC with 1,500 rad before PHA stimulation could restore the IFN-gamma production. Kinetic studies indicated that such augmentation of IFN-gamma production by irradiation was evident when cord MNC were irradiated before or by 12 hr of PHA-stimulated culture.

Sequential expression of T cell activation (Tac) antigen and Ia determinants on circulating human T cells after immunization with tetanus toxoid.

Recent studies have indicated that a monoclonal antibody, termed anti-Tac, may recognize the receptor sites or closely associated structures for interleukin 2 on activated human T cells. The Tac antigen, definable by anti-Tac antibody and usually found on mitogen- or alloantigen-stimulated T cells, was not expressed to any appreciable extent on normal circulating T cells. In the present study, we showed that an increase in circulating T cells expressing Tac antigen as well as Ia determinants occurred in normal individuals after immunization with tetanus toxoid.

Functional significance of Tac antigen expressed on activated human T lymphocytes: Tac antigen interacts with T cell growth factor in cellular proliferation.

Cultured human T cells (CTC), which are grown in conditioned medium containing T cell growth factor (TCGF), proliferate in response to TCGF. It has been shown that an antigen (Tac) defined by a monoclonal antibody, termed anti-Tac antibody, is expressed on human T cells activated by mitogens or antigens and CTC grown in the presence of TCGF. To elucidate the functional significance of Tac antigen expressed on activated T cells, we studied the effect of anti-Tac antibody on TCGF-dependent proliferation of CTC.

A syndrome of periodic adrenocorticotropin and vasopressin discharge.

An 8-yr-old girl is presented who had periodic attacks of vomiting, psychotic depression, drowsiness, and hypertension (160/110 mm Hg) for a period of 16 months after head injury. At the initiation of the attack, serum ACTH and vasopressin levels were prominently increased (610 pg/ml and 41 microunits/ml, respectively), followed by hypercortisolemia, hyponatremia, and hypoosmolality in plasma. Serum PRL also was elevated (91 ng/ml).