Inhibitory effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on lymphocyte blastogenic response to mitogen, antigen and allogeneic cells.

  • 1 December 1974
    • journal article
    • Vol. 18  (4) , 529-35
Abstract
In vitro inhibitory effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on human lymphocyte blastogenic response to phytohaemagglutinin, Varidase or allogeneic cells without cytotoxicity is presented. The effect of this hormone is reversible and dose-related. A greater inhibition of lymphocyte response is observed when the cells are pre-incubated with human chorionic gonadotrophin 24 hr before the addition of stimulant. Its inhibitory effect gradually decreases with time when the hormone is added to cultures, 1–3 days after the addition of phytohaemagglutinin. These data support the hypothesis that human chorionic gonadotrophin and possibly other placental hormones might have prevented the maternal lymphocytes from recognizing the foetus as a foreign tissue, resulting in a state of successful pregnancy.