Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation by free fatty acids. II. Toxicity of stearic acid towards phytohaemagglutinin-activated T cells

Immunology. 1984 Nov;53(3):507-14.

Abstract

Studies were performed to further characterize the effects of saturated fatty acids on murine T lymphocyte proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to show that the inhibitory effects of stearic acid (18:0) on [3H]thymidine uptake can be correlated with changes in cellular DNA content. Additional studies using flow cytometry and fluorescein diacetate as a viability stain showed that exogenous 18:0 was toxic for phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated T cells, whereas the viability of unstimulated T cells was less affected by 18:0. The inhibitory effects of 18:0 on T cell proliferation were evident as early as 4 hr after fatty acid addition and after a 10-hr exposure, the effects of 18:0 could not be reversed by washing the cells or by adding oleic acid (18:1). It is proposed that the inhibitory effects of 18:0 are dependent upon PHA-induced changes in T cell lipid metabolism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • DNA / analysis
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Phytohemagglutinins / pharmacology
  • Stearic Acids / pharmacology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / analysis
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • Stearic Acids
  • stearic acid
  • DNA