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Lymphocyte induced stimulation of human chorionic gonadotrophin production by trophoblastic cells in vitro

Abstract

STIMULATION of target cells following an immunological interaction has been shown to occur under suitable conditions. For example, B lymphocytes undergo blast transformation when cultured in the presence of low levels of anti-immunoglobulin1, and likewise thyroid cells can be stimulated by LATS (long acting thyroid stimulator) and LATS protector2,3, both of which are immunoglobulins, resulting in increased thyroxine production. There is no evidence that target cells can be stimulated in such a manner after contact with lymphocytes. We present here evidence that increased chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) production results when trophoblasts are cultured in the presence of maternal lymphocytes.

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DICKMAN, W., CAUCHI, M. Lymphocyte induced stimulation of human chorionic gonadotrophin production by trophoblastic cells in vitro. Nature 271, 377–378 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/271377a0

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