The role of inflammatory factors in the induction of specific imnmune responses

• Main Author: Rumjanek, Vivian Mary
• Other Authors: Brent, L.
• Published: Imperial College London 1976
• Subjects: 610
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.471172

The role of inflammatory factors in the induction of specific immune responses. Compounds capable of stimulating the production of inflammatory mediators when injected into animals were studied for their ability to affect the induction of certain cell-mediated immune responses, both in vivo and in vitro. Hie substance most intensively investigated was carrageenan, a knoivn inflammatory agent capable of inducing the release of histsmine, serotonin and bradikiniii and the production of prostaglandins. Its effect on immijne responses was tested in animals transplanted with allogeneic tumours or skin, grafts, in host-versus-graft and in vitro cytotoxic reactions, and in the in vitro tran.sfomia.tion response of lymphocytes toro.itogensand allogeneic cells. Carrageenan was shown to suppress the responses in most of the experimental models tested. The nature of this suppression remains •uncertain but seems to be associated to a possible regulator^'" roleinvolving machopliages. Apajzt from carrageenan, other substances initiat.ing the inflammatory process at different stages were studied. They were as follows: 1. Cobra Tenom factor, an activator of the complement system, 2. Cellulose sulptate, which depletes plasma, kininogen and leads to the subsequent release of kinins. 3. Polycmsaturated fatty acids, in particular linoleic and arachidonio acid, precursors of prostaglandin synthesis. All these substances were shoim to potentiate tumour growbh. Cobra "Venom fc^ctor and. cellulose sulphate, however, did not affect any of the other parameters of cell-mediated inmrune response studied, whereas treatment with poljunsatuj:ated fatty acids produced prolongation of skin graft survival. The various effects produced "by these substances and their relationship to the mediators released are discussed.