Periodate Induced Lymphocyte Transformation. I. Inhibition by Sulfhydryl Reducing Agents and Sugars

Abstract

Sodium metaperiodate stimulates human small lymphocytes to transform into blast cells which synthesize DNA. The triggering of this lymphocyte activation occurs within minutes, but can be blocked by pre-treatment of the periodate with reducing agents. The inhibition of the periodate effect on lymphocytes does not appear to be due to toxic or inhibitory substances produced by the interaction between periodate and reducing agents. The results suggest that the mechanism of action of periodate upon the lymphocytes involves an oxidatlon-reduction reaction, conceivably involving carbohydrate moieties or sulfhydryl groups at the cell surface. Specificity is indicated by the negative response obtained with other oxidizing agents and iodine compounds. The use of periodate in elucidating the triggering action involved in the induction of lymphocyte transformation appears to have significant value.