STERIC FACTORS IN LYMPHOCYTE STIMULATION BY ORGANOMERCURIALS

Resting human lymphocytes were stimulated to initiate DNA synthesis by divalent mercury ions or by the divalent organomercurial, 1,4-bismercury-3, 4-dihydroxybutane. Monovalent methylmercury was ineffective, as was mercury-substituted dextran which is a polyvalent compound where the mercury atoms are farther apart than in the divalent butane derivative. These findings suggest that for organomercurials to stimulate lymphocyte DNA synthesis, they must crosslink protein sulfhydryl groups and bring these groups into close proximity. © 1979.