THE EFFECT OF IRON AND TRANSFERRIN ON THE RESPONSE OF SERUM-FREE CULTURES OF MOUSE LYMPHOCYTES TO CONCANAVALIN-A AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (2) , 387-392
Abstract
[14C]-thymidine [TY] incorporation into mouse lymph node cells stimulated with either concanavalin A or [Salmonella typhimurium] lipopolysaccharide in serum-free medium was markedly enhanced by the addition of transferrin [TF]. TY incorporation was similar in TF-containing serum-free medium and in medium containing 5% fetal calf serum. TF from both homologous and heterologous [human, bovine] species were equally effective, but Fe-binding half-molecules of TF and low MW Fe chelates [nitrilotriacetate and citrate complexes] produced no enhancement. The optimal response was obtained with 10-50 .mu.g/ml of TF, and with 30-70% Fe saturation. Although the major function of TF in lymphocyte cultures is probably to supply Fe, it may also fulfill other functions.