Lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin in Hodgkin's disease, lymphatic leukemia and lymphosarcoma

Abstract

Lymphocyte transformation in tissue culture by PHA stimulation is a useful technique for the evaluation of the lymphocyte in disorders of the lymphatic apparatus. Impaired responsiveness to PHA in Hodgkin's disease was confirmed. Inhibition of lymphocyte transformation by Hodgkin's plasma is suggested. Normal responsiveness was found in small cell lymphocytic lymphosarcoma and other lymphosarcoma whereas marked impairment was noted in chronic lymphatic leukemia. Responsiveness was not affected by the clinical state of the patient except in Hodgkin's disease where improvement in transformation capacity is seen with amelioration of symptoms and remission.