Characterization of mouse thymocyte subpopulations by the enzymatic marker 20-α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: Differential responses to IL-1 and IL-2

E. Aflalo, R. Ofir, R. N. Apte, Y. Weinstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The responses of thymocytes to Concanavalin A (Con A), and interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were investigated. The enzyme 20-α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20αSDH) was used as a marker to distinguish between various populations of activated thymocytes. Thymocytes that were selected in Con A + pure or crude IL-2 expressed high 20αSDH activity, while those that were selected in Con A + recombinant IL-1 (rIL-1) or crude IL-1, or Con A + PMA expressed low 20αSDH activity. Both groups proliferate in response to Con A and had IL-2 receptors. After selection, the enzymatic phenotype was stable even if the cells were transferred from Con A + IL-2 to Con A + PMA (or IL-1) or vice versa. A third group was selected from thymocytes that were cultured in PMA + T cell growth factor (TCGF). This group expressed low levels of 20αSDH, had IL-2 receptors, but did not respond to Con A. This paper demonstrates that 20αSDH can be used as an enzymatic marker to distinguish between subpopulations of activated T cells, which have not been previously detected by the conventional surface markers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)578-584
Number of pages7
JournalClinical and Experimental Immunology
Volume70
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1 Dec 1987

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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