LEVAMISOLE AND HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE SURFACE MARKERS

Abstract

The action of various concentrations of levamisole on normal human lymphocytes was investigated in vitro. The action of levamisole (10-1 mg-10-8 mg%) upon rosette formation was studied using 2 rosette assays with SRBC [sheep red blood cells (E)] (the active and the total T[thymus-derived]-rosette tests) to quantify T cells and the EAC [E, antibody, complement] assay to quantify B [bone marrow-derived] cells. Levamisole at only 10-3 mg% significantly increased the percentage of active and total T cells. Levamisole between 10-2 and 10-7 mg% significantly decreased the EAC percentage. Levamisole promotes a better expressivity of T-cell receptor and decreases the expressivity of C3 [3rd C component] receptor.