A Simplified Technique for in Vitro Studies of Lymphocyte Reactivity

Abstract

In vitro studies of lymphocyte reactivity to mitogens, soluble antigens and homologous cells were performed by diluting whole blood with culture medium and using 24-hr labeling with 3H-thymidine. Sensitivity, reproducibility and correlations with delayed skin test responses of the blood donors were superior to those obtained with conventional techniques using lymphocyte concentrates. At appropriate reactive cell densities, supplementation of the culture medium with agents such as fetal calf serum has not been necessary. This simplified technique offers considerable savings in effort, cost and volumes of blood required.