RNA Synthesis in Cultures of Normal Human Peripheral Blood

RNA and DNA synthesis were measured in cultures of normal human peripheral blood using tritiated cytidine and thymidine and autoradiographictechnics. RNA synthesis preceded DNA synthesis by 24 hours. RNA synthesisoccurred predominantly in the large and medium-sized "blast-like" cells, butdid occur, to a lesser extent, in the small lymphocytes. RNA synthesis did notoccur in the absence of phytohemagglutinin, nor did DNA synthesis. Mechanisms of action of phytohemagglutinin are discussed with particular referenceto its possible antigenic nature.

Submitted on August 12, 1963 Accepted on January 6, 1964