Specific Effect of Age on Lectin-Induced Mitogenesis of Lymphocytes from Diseased Patients

Abstract

Using several models of multivariate analysis, it is found that age per se is a specific determinant on the in vitro lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin A in a random sample of 30 diseased patients. Depending upon the used model, sex and lymphocyte subsets appear as other significant variables. The multiple regression coefficients reach 0.85. A 2% fall per decade is expected for phytohemagglutinin A responsiveness expressed in In cpm.

Lymphocyte Subsets in Major Depressive Patients

“…Although the lymphocyte subset differential count pro foundly affects the in vitro response to mitogens [32], it should also be considered that the immune repsonse is not only a matter of numbers but also of cytokine production and fine tuning of surface receptors to regulating mes sages, a step specifically affected in MDD [33]. As shown in table 3. the differential lymphocyte count in our de pressed patients was quite similar to that established in normal controls and consequently could barely influence lymphocyte mitogenesis.…”

“…As shown in table 3. the differential lymphocyte count in our de pressed patients was quite similar to that established in normal controls and consequently could barely influence lymphocyte mitogenesis. Demonstrating a specific hvporeactivity would require a control group which is well matched for lymphocyte subsets, age and sex [32]. It is not our experience that mitogenesis is grossly abnormal in MDD.…”