Effect of mitogen-induced stimulation on DNase activity in lymphocytes.

The effect of mitogen-induced stimulation in spleen cells and thymocytes of BALB/c mice on acid DNase-activity levels was determined. Increase in thymidine uptake induced by either LPS or ConA in spleen cells and by ConA in thymocytes was invariably accompanied by parallel increase in acid DNase activity. Treatment with mitomycin C (spleen cells) or with an excess dose of ConA (thymocytes) led to sharp reduction in acid DNase activity concomitant with marked drop in thymidine uptake. The results obtained suggest that rise in acid DNase activity takes place during the process of lymphocyte activation by mitogens.