Lack of synergy between T and B cells in the response to 2-mercaptoethanol in old NZB/W F 1 mice

Abstract

The responses of NZB × NZW (NZB/W) F 1 mice to 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) were examined from the viewpoint of T-B cell interaction. Young (1-mth-old) NZB/W F 1 mice responded to 2-ME in an almost similar pattern to that of BALB/c mice, although a slightly higher rate of DNA synthesis was observed in B cell-enriched cultures (75% B cells) containing 2-ME than in those of BALB/c mice. Old (9-mth-old) NZB/W F 1 mice showed an absent synergistic effect of T and B cells in the response to 2-ME. These results indicate an abnormality of T-B cell interaction particularly in old NZB/W F 1 mice.