MITOGENIC STIMULATION OF MALIGNANT B-CELLS - CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STIMULATION AND SURFACE PHENOTYPE

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 50  (2) , 355-359
Abstract
Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from 14 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were stimulated with pokeweek mitogen (PWM), formalinized Staphylococcus aureus (Sta) and a combination of both mitogens. The leukemic B cells were characterized by rosetting techniques (using mouse erythrocytes and complement coated erythrocytes) and immunofluorescence for membrane bound Ig (mIg). No clear correlation between phenotype and the reactivity with PWM could be found. Results of stimulation with Sta indicate that lymphocytes carrying membrane bound IgM (mIgM) and IgD(mIgD) and the receptor of the 3rd complement component (C3R) can be induced to differentiate into Ig containing cells. Addition of PWM to these cultures often enhanced this response. Some leukemic B cells are able to differentiate after challenge with the appropriate stimulus.