3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item A study of natural killer cells(1984) Herman, Marian JeanThese studies involved the isolation of populations of peripheral blood leukocytes enriched for large granular lymphocytes (LGL), cells thought to be responsible for natural killer activity. It was found that the degree of cytotoxicity of LGLs could be modulated by various substances, namely, PLC/PRF/5 cell supernatants, interferon, certain monosaccharides and prostaglandin E2. This modulation appears to be due, at least in part, to the regulation of interleukin-1 (TL-) production by LGLs. LGLs are able to produce TL- in response, not only to LPS and Staphlococcus aureus hut also to a variety of NK sensitive target cells. The degree of sensitivity of these cells, to NK lysis, correlates with their ability to stimulate TL-1 production by LGLs„ The observed decrease in cytotoxic activity of LGLs from patients with advanced malignant disease can be ascribed to a defect in TL-1 production by these LGLs, an effect which can be partially corrected by in vitro interferon treatment. Treatment of target cells with IL-1 increased cytotoxicity of cancer patients LGLs to normal levels. This effect r v , appears to he a result, of increased hi ruling of LGLs to the target cells. It is postulated, therefore, that LGLs, coming into contact with K562 cells, produce II.-l which acts on the target cells enhancing their ability to bind further LGLs and thereby increasing the cytotoxicity of the latter.Item Interleukin 1 production in health and disease(1981) Mitchell, ReneeInterleukin 1 (IL - 1) is a macrophage factor that exerts control over T cell activation. The experimental work presented in this dissertation consists of studies on IL - 1 production by monocytes which can be used as an in vitro correlate for monocyte function, as well as the effect of IL - 1 on immature T cells, that is, thymocytes. In accomplishing the studies presented in this dissertation, a two stage assay was employed. Firstly IL - 1 containing supernatants were produced by stimulated human peripheral blood adherent cells and secondly, the IL - 1 supernatants were assayed on mouse thymocyctes in which these supernatants caused mitogenesis.