Enhancement of sheep red blood cell human lymphocyte rosette formation by the sulfhydryl compound 2-amino ethylisothiouronium bromide

Abstract

In vitro treatment of sheep red blood cells with the sulfhydryl compound 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET) under suitable experimental conditions greatly enhances their ability to form rosettes with human lymphoid cells. The effect of AET depends on the concentration, pH of the solution and time of incubation. AET treated sheep red blood cells lose their ability to form rosettes after varying time periods depending on the temperature of storage and on the concentration of the AET solution. Treatment of human peripheral lymphocytes with AET abolishes their capability to form rosettes with both normal and AET treated sheep red blood cells. Lymphocytes from some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia react differently with AET-treated sheep red blood cells than with normal sheep red blood cells.