The effect of antigen given intravenously on specific antigen-sensitive lymphocytes of peripheral blood in man

In the course of fibrinolytic therapy with the streptococcal antigen streptokinase the effect of antigen intravenously on specific antigen-sensitive lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was studied.

Seven out of ten patients had streptokinase-sensitive lymphocytes in the peripheral blood before the beginning of therapy. Stimulation by streptokinase was temporarily rendered negative in all seven cases during the course of treatment. Some time after the termination of therapy specifically sensitive lymphocytes reappeared in the circulation. Lymphocytes of three patients were stimulated by streptokinase only after the treatment period.

Stimulation of lymphocytes by phytohaemagglutinin or by tuberculin in sensitized individuals, was not disturbed. Thus streptokinase given intravenously involves selectively streptokinase-sensitive cells. It is assumed that after interaction with homologous antigen these lymphocytes are directed to lymphoid tissues where proliferation and differentiation takes place.