Synergistic Action of Gamma Interferon and Catalase to Reverse the Suppressive Effect of Peritoneal Macrophages on Concanavalin A‐Induced Lymphocyte Proliferation

The suppressive effect of normal rat peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) on concanavalin A (Con-A)-induced lymphocyte proliferation was studied. Partial suppression of proliferation was obtained by adding 3% PEC and complete suppression was observed with 6% PEC. The suppressive effect was mediated by W3/25+ plastic-adherent macrophages, which constitute about 60% of normal PEC. Addition of PEC prior to, simultaneously with, or 24 h after, but not 48 h after, the stimulation of lymphocytes with Con A resulted in suppression. Suppressed cultures produced normal or slightly increased amounts of interleukin 2 (IL-2), but the expression of the IL-2 receptor on lymphocytes was decreased. Pre-exposure of PEC to gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) resulted in decreased suppression, whereas IFN-gamma added simultaneously with the lymphocytes had no effect. Catalase reversed PEC-induced suppression and significant synergistic effects were recorded when combined with IFN-gamma. Even completely suppressed cultures were effectively protected from suppression. Indomethacin and combinations of indomethacin with catalase or IFN-gamma did not result in additional protection from PEC-mediated suppression.