ROLE OF HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE IN THE CYTO-TOXIC REACTION OF LYMPHOCYTES-T

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  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 39  (2) , 486-495
Abstract
T [thymus-derived] lymphocyte cytotoxicity is apparently mediated by H2O2. At a concentration of 5 .times. 10-4 M H2O2 induced 51Cr release from pre-labeled P815 mastocytoma cells. H2O2 was generated when T lymphocytes from mouse spleen were exposed to P815 cells. The concentration of H2O2 produced was apparently one thousand times lower than the concentration required to lyse the P815 cells. H2O2 is apparently produced and acts at a highly localized site on the target cell. Sulfhydryl groups on the target cell were particularly sensitive both to H2O2 and to spleen cell attack. Activity of the spleen cells was inhibited by cyanide and azide and by reducing agents which protected the target cells. Cytotoxicity was enhanced by agents which prevented H2O2 breakdown.