Lymphocyte transformation in repeated gonococcal urethritis.

In an attempt to ascertain whether cell-mediated hypersensitivity develops in the course of a naturally acquired gonorrhea infection, lymphocytes from men with gonococcal urethritis were cultured in vitro with a gonococcal antigen. The lymphocyte response was quantitated by a radioactive assay of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis. Lymphocytes from subjects without gonorrhea were cultured in a similar manner to determine the specificity of the reaction. The recurrent nature of many gonococcal infections allowed a concurrent evaluation of whether the intensity of the in vitro lymphocyte response is related to the history of previous exposure to the antigen concerned. This study revealed a significantly greater lymphocyte response to the gonococcal antigen in those with gonorrhea infections than in the nongonorrhea subjects (P < 0.01). The intensity and timing of the response were also consistent with specific lymphocyte stimulation.