Effect of iodoacetate on T lymphocytes of young AKR mice.

The influence of sulphydryl inhibitor iodoacetate on properties characteristically associated with T-lymphocytes was examined in young AKR mice. Thymocytes from mice receiving 100 microgram of iodoacetate showed a decrease in cortisone sensitivity, and responded more vigorously to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Spleen cells from treated mice also exhibited greater reactivity to both PHA and concanavalin A (Con A). The uptake of 14C-iodoacetate by the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver and kidneys also was investigated. One hour, 2 h and 18 h after the intraperiotoneal injection of 10-3 M iodoacetate, the thymus demonstrated a higher incorporation of the labelled compound than did the spleen, lymph nodes or other organs examined. These findings provide further evidence to indicate that the immuno-enhancement observed following iodoacetate treatment is related to its effect on T lymphocytes.