Galactose oxidase-induced blastogenesis of human lymphocytes and the effect of macrophages on the reaction.

Treatment of human lymphocytes with neuraminidase and galactose oxidase induced extensive blastogenesis. A less pronounced effect was observed after treatment of the cells with galactose oxidase alone. Macrophage-depleted human lymphocytes had a markedly reduced blastogenic response after treatment with neuraminidase and galactose oxidase. Incubation of the purified lymphocytes on macrophage monolayers markedly enhanced their response to neuraminidase and galactose oxidase. Furthermore, a stimulation of thymidine incorporation into purified untreated lymphocytes was noted after incubation of the cells on neuraminidase and galactose oxidase-treated macrophage monolayers.