B cell function in human marrow transplant recipients assessed by direct and indirect hemolysis-in-gel assays
Ringden, O.; Witherspoon, R.; Storb, R.; Ekelund, E.; Thomas, E.D.
Journal of Immunology 123(6): 2729-2734
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 41018 Document Number: 141641
B PFC/106 cells compared to a mean of 300 .+-. 91 PFC/106 in the controls (P < 0.01). The mean number of PFC/106 in long-term patients was 310 .+-. 222. In healthy controls, the direct assay detected about 4% of the IgM-producing B cells found in the indirect assay. Twelve short-term patients were studied with both assays. No patients had PFC with the direct assay but 11 showed some PFC in the indirect assay. Indirect PFC responses after stimulation by S. aureus were significantly lower for patients than for controls (IgG P < 0.05, IgA P < 0.01, IgM P < 0.01). Short-term marrow graft recipients had deficient B cell responses in vitro but in long-term patients this function was normal.