Abstract
Immunomodulatory properties of a strain of live Mycobacterium chelonae (Mch) was investigated in an in vitro lymphocyte transformation system. Murine splenocyte activation by this bacterium was characterized by polyclonal lymphoproliferative responses in a dose dependent fashion. Optimal doses ranging from 20 to 80 μg of Mch (wet weight) per ml of cell suspension induced a very significant mitogenic effect. Higher doses (100 μg) of Mch manifested a decreased rate of tritiated thymidine ([ 3H] TdR) uptake whereas responsiveness of splenic lymphocytes to lower doses (0.156 μg) was not modified. Contrary to the splenocyte responses activation of murine thymocytes by this mycobacterium is characterised by a decreased proliferation as compared to the background count of unstimulated cells. Simultaneous addition of Mch with optimal doses of Concanavalin A (Con A) and Phytohemaglutinin (PHA) potentiated polyclonal mitogenic responses of murine splenocytes to these two lectins. However, proliferation of these lymphocytes to Lypopolysaccharide (LPS) induction was not modified. BALB/C and DBA/2 spenocytes were found to be more responsive to stimulation by this Mycobacterium as compared to those of C3H/Ou and to a lesser degree to those of C57BL/6 mice.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
