Contact Sensitivity in vitro: Activation of Actively Allergized Lymphocytes by a Beryllium Complex

Abstract

Beryllium either as salts or in a complexed form was studied for its ability to trigger lymphocytes from guinea pigs painted with beryllium fluoride. The triggering was assessed by assaying and partially characterizing culture supernatants for macrophage migration inhibition factor. It was found that beryllium complexed to the ligand sulphosalicylic acid was able to induce macrophage inhibition factor (MIF) formation. The insoluble beryllium oxide and the immunizing agent beryllium fluoride did not produce MIF. Data is presented which would support a direct interaction of beryllium sulphosalicylate with cells without prior complexing to macromolecules.