SUPPRESSION OF SECONDARY PLAQUE-FORMING CELL RESPONSES BY RAT SPLENIC ADHERENT CELLS - EVIDENCE FOR DEPENDENCE ON PROSTAGLANDIN PRODUCTION

Rat spleens normally contain adherent suppressor cells with macrophage-like characteristics. Activity of these cells, as measured by decreased secondary in vitro PFC [plaque-forming cell] responses to heterologous erythrocytes, may be dependent upon the production of prostaglandins (PG). PFC can be restored in vitro by the use of indomethacin and aspirin, different drugs which inhibit PG synthesis among other cellular functions. Ro3-1314, an experimental drug which has as its only known function the inhibition of PG synthesis, acts similarly. The suppression relieved by these drugs can be restored by addition of PGE.