Activation of human T-lymphocytes. A kinetic and stereological study.

Stereological data of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-activated human T-lymphocytes were recorded at intervals (12 to 72 h) together with biochemical (isotope-uptake, lymphotoxin-release) and morphological measurements. About 98% of the cells were activated 12 h after PHA-stimulation. The activation phase lasted less than 48 h, i.e., cells entering the activation phase within 12 h were at their activation maximum by 48 h. The activated cell increased in size. The nuclear/cytoplasmic-ratio decreased. Most of the cytoplasmic organelles developed in phase with the increase of cytoplasmic volume. After 48 h, mitotic figures were frequently seen. Due to the increasing number of secondary, activated daughter cells, parameters of most cytoplasmic components declined between 48 and 72 h. Structural changes in the nucleus preceded the 3H-leucine uptake, which had not reached its maximum after 72 h of incubation. The 3H-leucine uptake started as early as 12 h after culture initiation, and its increase was proportional to the increasing polyribosome density. No maximum uptake was reached up to 72 h, but the development of structural components related to this uptake was at its maximum at the end of the activation phase (48 h). The formation of bound ribosomes occurred subsequent to the enlargement of the surface of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Initial polysome formation occurred at the expense of existing free ribosomes.