Production of migration inhibitory factor and blast cell transformation by cord blood lymphocytes.

Cord blood lymphocytes from 29 normal infants of 28-41 weeks gestational age were tested for blast cell transformation and migration inhibitory factor (MIF) production. Cultures were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) for transformation; with purified PHA, soluble and insoluble concanavalin A as well as PPD for MIF production. 3H-thymidine incorporation by cord blood and by adult lymphocytes were similar in magnitude after PHA stimulation, but differed significantly after PPD stimulation, with negligible increased incorporation by the former and marked increased incorporation by the adult lymphocytes. With the exception of PPD, the stimulating agents used led to MIF production by cord blood lymphocytes. No dissociation was observed between proliferative response and MIF production. Both functions seem to be fully developed at birth.