Normal Human Lymphocytes Treated in Vitro With the Sulfhydryl Compound AET: Relationship to the Lymphocytes of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

Because in vitro treatment with the sulfhydryl compound AET is known to alter normal red cells in such a way that they become highly susceptible to the lytic action of complement, an investigation was carried out to evaluate whether the same substance could modify normal lymphocytes in a similar way. The lymphocytes from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria were also studied as a comparison. AET lymphocytes appeared to be more sensitive than the same untreated cells to the lytic action of antibody and C, as indicated both by the percentage of stained cells and by the titers displayed by the antisera used in a dye exclusion cytotoxicity test. Two HL-A monospecific antisera that gave false negative results with untreated lymphocytes gave clear-cut positive results with the same cells treated with AET. AET-lymphocytes could be employed for the detection of leukocyte antigens and antibodies.