Abstract
LIF is one of several effector substances secreted by immune-competent T-cell lymphocytes when stimulated by appropriate antigens or mitogens. Using a simple, sensitive, rapid and reproducable agarose-cell iroplet assay, lymphocytes and PMN leucocytes from healthy and sick children were tested for LIF activity. It was shown that it is the T-cell that produces LIF, and that the newborn has competent LIF producing lymphocytes to PHA. Normally spontaneous leucocyte migration occurs, but in the newborn is less than in older children. Results of this study indicate that the T-cell population is heterogenous. Children with B system deficiency have normal PPD and PHA induced LIF production, whilst children with ataxia-telagiectasis have deficient PPD LIF activity and lownormal PHA LIF activity. On the other hand cases with Down's syndrome have markedly deficient PHA LIF activity but good PPD activity. Children receiving steroids lose much of their ability to produce LIF to PPD but not to PHA. This study indicates that LIF assay is a useful test of T-cell function.
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Levin, S., Hahn, T. LEUCOCYTE MIGRATION INHIBITION FACTOR /LIF/IN NEWBORNS, NORMAL CHILDREN AND CHILDREN WITH IMMUNE DEFICIENCY. Pediatr Res 9, 859 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197511000-00042
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197511000-00042