Locomotion of human lymphoblasts towards glucose and other sugars. Effects of pH, temperature and oxygen.

The effect of basic physical and chemical changes in the environment on the locomotion of human lymphoblasts was studied. The lymphoblasts were obtained by culture of human blood lymphocytes either with mitogens or in mixed lymphocyte culture. Lymphoblasts required glucose for optimal locomotion, and, if placed in glucose free media, they migrated towards glucose sources. A filter checkerboard assay showed chemokinesis and was suggestive of chemotaxis to glucose. Among other sugars tested only mannose enhanced locomotion, and products of glycolysis such as lactate and pyruvate inhibited locomotion. Lymphoblast locomotion was inhibited by azide, fluoride and 2-deoxyglucose but the effect of 2-deoxyglucose could be reversed by the addition of glucose. Lymphoblasts migrated faster at 40 degrees C than at 37 degrees C and their pH optimum was between 7.1 and 7.4. They migrated well in anaerobic conditions.