Abstract
As part of a study of respiratory health and immunity of children, 61 cord blood specimens were separated into a mononuclear cell population (>70% lymphocytes). Total T, helper T, supressor/cytotoxic (sup/cy) T and natural killer (NK) cells were determined by rosette (ER) and immunofluorescent methods (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, Leu 11 respectively). B cells were detected by the presence of membrane immunoglobulin. Interleukin-2 .(IL-2) and interferon (IFN) production were measured in supernatant fluids of Con A and phorbol ester stimulated cells. IL-2 units were determined by probit analysis, and IFN titers were based on a 50% reduction in virus cytopathic effect (log3, dilution). NK assays were performed at 5 effector to target cell ratios on K562 cells, and lytic units/106 lymphocytes (LU) were calculated. The mean % ± SD for these results are compared to adult values (N=38 to 74).
T sup/cy cells, IFN titers and NK activity were lower while the T4/8 ratio and IL-2 production were increased for cord blood. These findings may relate to the increased susceptibility of neonates to infection. (Supported by NHLBI-SCOR Grant# HL1436-1351 and The Southwestern Clinic and Research Institute).
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Kibler, R., Hicks, M., Wright, A. et al. 999 HUMAN CORD BLOOD: LYMPHOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS AND LYMPHOKINE PRODUCTION. Pediatr Res 19, 277 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01029
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01029
