Abstract
Lymphocyte function measured by the assay of mitotic response to PHA was studied in the blood of 46 fullterm and 51 premature neonates. The lymphocyte cultures were incubated for 72 hours at 37°C and DMA synthesis was estimated by incorporation of [125J] 5-iodo-deoxyuridine. DNA synthesis in unstimulated cultures from premature or fullterm newborns was significantly greater than in adult controls (p < 0.001). With the maximal PHA stimulation dose the mitotic response of neonates both fullterm and prematures during the first 4 days of life was significantly lower than in adults (p < 0.001). However it rose to adult levels after the 4th day. In the presence of the submaximal PHA dose the mitotic response was similar in adults and neonates in the first days of life and later. These findings indicate decreased mitogenic capacity of the lymphocytes during the first days of life suggesting either functional immaturity or the presence of an inhibitory factor in the newborn's plasma.
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