STUDIES OF THE MODE OF ACTION OF VITAMIN-E IN STIMULATING T-CELL MITOGENESIS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 14  (5) , 565-571
Abstract
Vitamin E stimulates mitogenesis produced by suboptimal concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A) and optimal concentrations of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) but not that produced by optimal concentrations of Con A. Fractionation of CBA/J murine spleen cells was performed to discover the vitamin E-responsive spleen cell populations. Removal of adherent cells on plastic and/or removal of Ia+ cells failed to decrease the effectiveness of vitamin E in enhancing mitogenesis. Vitamin E thus stimulates an Ia- cell population even in the absence of accessory cells. Another stimulatory effect of vitamin E was observed on whole spleen cells. When the latter were obtained from the mouse without washing, the vitamin enhanced mitogenesis as usual. Thorough washing of the spleen cells stimulated the response, and further stimulation by vitamin E was no longer seen. Readdition of the soluble splenic wash decreased the mitogenic response and restored the vitamin E-enhancing effect. Thus, vitamin E stimulates mitogenesis of whole spleen cells by overcoming the effects of a soluble suppressor naturally occurring in the spleen. Vitamin E also enhances mitogenesis long after commitment to and subsequent removal of Con A.