The Differential Sensitivity of Rat Peripheul Blood T Cells to Immunosuppressants: Cyclophosphamidb and Dbxametmsone

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Abstract
Peripheral blood T cells from rats given a single oral dose of dexamethasone (DMS) or cyclophosphamide (CY) exhibited a differential sensitivity to these compounds as measured by lymphoproliferation in the presence of concanavalin A (Con A) or phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Con A-responsive cells (T Con A) were resistant to the effects of DMS, while the PHA-responsive population (T PHA) showed a dose-dependent suppression at dose levels of 0.35 and 1.00 mg/kg. DMS did not alter serum antibody production against sheep erythrocytes at the dosage level which produced a significant depression of the PHA response. Animals treated with CY showed enhanced Con A-mediated lymphoproliferation at a dose of 15 mg/kg and marked suppression at 45 mg/kg. The PHA-mediated response exhibited only a dose-dependent suppression at both dosage levels. CY had no effect on the antibody response at doses that enhance Con A lymphoproliferation. Apparently T helper cells and T suppressor cells are not TPHA cells.