Requirement for calcium ions in lymphocyte transformation stimulated by phytohemagglutinin

Medium calcium ions were essential to the development of the lymphocyte transformation response induced by PHA. Magnesium ions could not substitute for calcium ions. Calcium exerted its influence during the induction phase of the process before DNA synthesis began since its removal after the response had fully developed did not alter subsequent levels of nucleic acid synthesis. The early development of RNA synthesis was prevented by low calcium levels indicating that calcium either directly influenced the initiation of this process or some prior event(s).