Effect of supernatants from PHA-stimulated and non-stimulated lymphocyte cultures on thromboxane B2 release by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro.

The present study involves the determination of the effect of supernatants obtained from mitogen-induced lymphocytes of human tonsils and containing lymphotoxins on human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). PMNs treated with supernatants from phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes were found to increase the release of thromboxane B2, compared to normal control levels. This increase was blocked by the preincubation of PMNs with indomethacin. The production or increase in production of thromboxanes may be induced by lymphotoxins since these substances have been reported to activate phospholipase A2 in target cell membranes, which may result in release of the thromboxane precursor, arachidonic acid.