Biomedical subjects

M Colić

Publications and source records attributed to M Colić.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Characterization of antigen-presenting cells in human apical periodontitis lesions by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry.

AIM: To analyse phenotypic characteristics of antigen-presenting cells (APC), isolated from human periapical lesions by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. METHODOLOGY: Sixteen periapical lesions were digested for 15 min with 0.05% collagenase. Mononuclear cells, separated from other inflammatory cells by density centrifugation, were processed for flow cytometry and/or immunocytochemistry. Single and double immunostainings were performed using monoclonal antibodies specific for human CD45, CD3, CD19, CD14, HLA-DR, CD1a, CD83 and CD123. RESULTS: Antigen-presenting cells (HLA-DR(+) cells) represented 32.9 +/- 17.8% of total mononuclear cells. Amongst them, B cells (HLA-DR(+) CD19(+)) were the predominant APC population, followed by activated macrophages (HLA-DR(+) CD14(+)), dendritic cells (DC) (HLA-DR(+) CD14(-) CD19(-) CD3(-)) and activated T cells (HLA-DR(+) CD3(+)). Based on the predominance of T cells (CD3(+)) or B cells and plasma cells (CD19(+) and CD19(lo), respectively) amongst mononuclear cell infiltrates, lesions were divided into T- and B-types. The percentage of DC in T-type lesions (27.1 +/- 6.8% of total HLA-DR(+) cells) was higher, compared with B-type lesions (10.3 +/- 5.2%) (P < 0.01). Within the DC population, the percentages of CD1a (Langerhans cell type) and CD123 (probably plasmacytoid DC type) did not differ significantly between the groups (P > 0.05). However, the percentage of mature DC (CD83(+)) was significantly higher in T-type periapical lesions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry are suitable methods for phenotypic analysis of APC after their isolation from human periapical lesions. APC, that were phenotypically heterogeneous, constituted a significant component of infiltrating cells. Lesions with the predominance of T cells were characterized by a higher proportion of mature DC (HLA-DR(+)CD83(+) cells) than lesions with predominance of B cells/plasma cells.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Production of interleukin-8 in vitro by mononuclear cells isolated from human periapical lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an important mediator of inflammation. However, little is known about its production in chronic dental periapical lesions and this was the main aim of this work. METHODS: Inflammatory cells were isolated from clinically different periapical lesions and analyzed by morphological criteria. The mononuclear cells were isolated, phenotypically analyzed by immunocytochemistry and cultivated in vitro. IL-8 was measured in culture supernatants of these periapical lesion mononuclear cells (PL-MNC) using a microbeads fluorescence assay. RESULTS: We found a relatively high production of IL-8 in 19 out of 21 periapical lesions included in the study. The level of IL-8 and the proportion of neutrophil granulocytes were significantly higher in the group of symptomatic lesions, compared to the asymptomatic lesions, but there was no statistically significant correlation between these parameters. According to the predominance of CD3(+) T cells and Ig(+)/CD19(+) B cells and plasma cells, lesions were divided into T-type and B-type lesions, respectively. The levels of IL-8 were significantly higher in the culture supernatants of PL-MNC in the T-type lesions and were positively correlated with the proportion of macrophages/dendritic cells (CD11c(+) cells) and CD4(+) T cells. Such a correlation was not shown in B-type lesions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PL-MNC are a significant source of IL-8, which is probably an important chemokine for the migration and function of different cell types at the site of chronic inflammation.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2006

[The tunneled supraclavicular island flap--a fasciocutaneous flap for head and neck reconstructions].

Reconstructive procedures in the head and neck region use a wide range of flaps for defect closure. The methods range from local, mostly myocutaneous flaps and skin grafts to free microsurgical flaps. To ensure a satisfactory functional and aesthetic result, good texture and color of the flap are always essential. Moreover, the donor-site defect needs to be reduced, with no resulting functional or aesthetic impairment. We have found that the shoulder is a region providing an optimum skin texture match to the neck and face. Fasciocutaneous island flap, nourished by the supraclavicular artery is used purely as a subcutaneously tunneled island flap. The tunneling maneuver significantly improves the donor site by reducing scarring. The flap is characterized by a long subcutaneous pedicle of up to 20 cm. The pivot point is in the supraclavicular region and allows the flap to be used in the upper chest, neck, chin, and cheek. In this article we present clinical cases in reconstructive procedures with supraclavicular flap and its expanded indications.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Suppression of experimental autoimmune myocarditis by sodium fusidate (fusidin).

Fusidic acid and its sodium salt sodium fusidate (fusidin) are widely used antibiotics that possess immunomodulating properties. It has been shown that fusidin ameliorates the course of several organ-specific immunoinflammatory diseases and thus we investigated the effect of fusidin on myosin-induced experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in rats, a well-established animal model for human giant cell myocarditis and postmyocarditis dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Fusidin at doses of 80 mg kg(-1) was administrated i.m. to male Dark Agouti (DA) rats, either from days 0 to 10 (early treatment group), or from days 10 to 20 (late treatment group) after induction of EAM. Efficacy of fusidin treatment was determined on day 21 of EAM development. It was observed that both early and late treatment with fusidin markedly ameliorated clinical, histological and immunohistochemical signs of the disease. The treated rats had significantly decreased incidence of EAM, heart weight and heart weight/body weight ratio (Hw/Bw) compared with untreated animals. In contrast to the severe myocardial damage and cellular infiltration in the EAM rats, there was only focal infiltration of inflammatory cells in the myocardium of the treated rats. In both treated groups the mean microscopic score was markedly lower compared with vehicle-treated animals. In addition, the number of CD4+, ED1+ and OX6+ cells was significantly lower in myocardium of fusidin-treated rats than that in untreated group. The present findings suggest that fusidin exhibited both early and late therapeutical effect in EAM.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

[Treatment of facial nerve paralysis using static suspension methods].

After the injury of facial nerve, facial muscles are subjected to complex series of biochemical and histological changes, which lead to muscular atrophy if reinnervation is not restored. Facial palsy is very difficult to manage completely. Regardless this fact, the plan of correction has to be directed towards the following: restoration of normal function, normal facial appearance at rest, symmetry in voluntary movements as well as symmetry in involuntary and emotional movements. Static suspension methods were used in our study. All patients had unilateral complete facial nerve palsy but one female patient who experienced the palsy of frontal branch of n.facialis. This method was successfully used to lift the eyebrow, the lid and to improve lagophthalmus on the paralytic side, then the angle and paralytic part of the lip, to reinforce buccal wall of oral cavity as well as to reconstruct new nasolabial fold. The results were satisfactory and permanent.

Facial Muscles↗

PubMed2003

[Treatment of defects of soft tissue and sternum, as postoperative complications of A-C bypass, case report].

Medial sternotomy is optimal approach for great number of heart surgery. Deep infection of sternum and mediastinis are very rear, but very dangerous complications followed by high rate of morbidity and mortality. Factors which can be responsible for these complications are numerous: post operation bleedings, surgery reinterventions, extended mechanical ventilation, liver chronic diseases, older age, diabetes, previous irradiation therapy, respiratory obstructions and use of steroids. Clinical signs for these complications are: red skin around the surgical wound, leaking, dehiscence, increased body temperature and instability of sternum. Early diagnosis, adequate antimicrobial therapy, and aggressive surgical and multidisciplinary approach in initial phase, are base for successful treatment. Surgical treatment most often assumes use of flaps. Our main objective in this work was to present treatment of defect of sternum and soft tissues, after triple aorto-coronary bypass. After the surgery patients got slack of sternum's ficsation and reficsation. With satisfactory respiratory function, corrections of defect was achieved by omentum and bipedicular myocutan flaps. (m. pectoralis major flap). There was no complications.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Modulatory effects of garlic extracts on proliferation of T-lymphocytes in vitro stimulated with concanavalin A.

Different active components from the garlic (Allium sativum) possess immunomodulatory activity both in vitro and in vivo. However, mechanisms of their actions are not sufficiently elucidated. In this study we examined the effects of garlic aqueous extract (GAE) and garlic ethanolic extract (GEE), prepared from two different garlic powder samples, on proliferation of rat thymocytes and splenocytes in culture, stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A). It has been shown that the extracts from both samples significantly modulate lymphocyte proliferation, triggered by this potent T-cell mitogen, depending on the type and dilutions of extracts and concentrations of Con A. The extracts, alone, were not mitogenic for lymphocytes. Generally, higher concentrations of the extracts showed inhibitory effects, whereas lower concentrations significantly augmented proliferation of lymphocytes. The stimulatory effect of GAE was stronger using splenocytes and suboptimal concentrations of Con A as a consequence of increased interleukin 2 (IL-2) production as well as the expression of IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha). The relationship between these two phenomena was demonstrated using neutralizing anti-IL-2Ralpha monoclonal antibody. The inhibitory effect of GAE correlated with a decrease in IL-2 production, but was not followed by down-regulation of IL-2Ralpha expression. The addition of IL-2 almost completely abolished inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation in the presence of higher concentrations of GAE.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Peripheral blood granulocyte activity following contact sensitization of rats with dinitrochlorobenzene.

Contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reaction is a classic example of a cell-mediated reaction. As the afferent phase of the reaction includes inflammation, CHS is a suitable model for investigating non-specific immunity. Some aspects of granulocyte activity in the afferent phase of experimentally induced CHS to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in two genetically different rat strains, AO and DA were examined in this study. A shift in the ratio of granulocytes to lymphocytes in favour of granulocytes and an increase in granulocyte survival were noted in DA rats. Granulocytes from both strains demonstrated increased levels of NBT reduction and an increase in their adhesion to plastic. Decreased granulocyte adhesion in the presence of monoclonal antibodies to beta2 integrins (anti-CD11b/c and anti-CD18) points to the contribution of these molecules to granulocyte adhesiveness during the sensitization phase of CHS. Stimulation of adhesion in the presence of anti-CD11a antibody, points to a differential modulation of adhesion molecule activity during the afferent phase of CHS. Changes in functional activity of granulocytes demonstrated in this study might contribute to the development of CHS in rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Immunomodulatory effect of xylazine, an alpha(2) adrenergic agonist, on rat spleen cells in culture.

Xylazine is an adrenergic alpha(2) agonist, which is used in veterinary medicine as a sedative and anesthetic agent. In this work we found that xylazine administered in vivo at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg enhanced spleen cell proliferation and interleukin 2 (IL-2) production in cultures stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A), whereas doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg were inhibitory. A similar stimulatory (10 microM) and inhibitory (50-500 microM) effect on splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 production was observed in vitro. Clonidine, another alpha(2) adrenergic agonist, only had a stimulatory proliferative effect on splenocytes. Yohimbine, an alpha(2) adrenergic antagonist, abrogated the stimulatory action of both clonidine and xylazine, but not the suppressive proliferative activity of xylazine in vitro. The inhibited proliferation of splenocytes to Con A correlated with increased apoptosis of T cells. The apoptosis was not blocked by yohimbine or antibodies to Fas and Fas-L. N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, enhanced proliferation of splenocytes to Con A, partly abrogated the inhibitory effect of xylazine in the proliferation assay, and, only at high concentration (1000 microM), partly suppressed apoptosis of lymphocytes. The enhancing effect of L-NAME on the Con A-induced proliferation of splenocytes correlated with decreased NO production. However, decreased NO production observed in cultures with xylazine was followed by both decreased lymphocyte proliferation and apoptosis. Cumulatively, these results suggest that the immunosuppressive properties of xylazine on splenocytes in vitro are due to increased apoptosis of lymphocytes, predominantly involve NO-independent pathways, and are probably independent of its action through alpha(2) adrenoreceptors.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2001

Natural zeolite clinoptilolite: new adjuvant in anticancer therapy.

Natural silicate materials, including zeolite clinoptilolite, have been shown to exhibit diverse biological activities and have been used successfully as a vaccine adjuvant and for the treatment of diarrhea. We report a novel use of finely ground clinoptilolite as a potential adjuvant in anticancer therapy. Clinoptilolite treatment of mice and dogs suffering from a variety of tumor types led to improvement in the overall health status, prolongation of life-span, and decrease in tumors size. Local application of clinoptilolite to skin cancers of dogs effectively reduced tumor formation and growth. In addition, toxicology studies on mice and rats demonstrated that the treatment does not have negative effects. In vitro tissue culture studies showed that finely ground clinoptilolite inhibits protein kinase B (c-Akt), induces expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 and p27KIP1 tumor suppressor proteins, and blocks cell growth in several cancer cell lines. These data indicate that clinoptilolite treatment might affect cancer growth by attenuating survival signals and inducing tumor suppressor genes in treated cells.

Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic↗

PubMed2001

Biochemical and functional characterization of a molecule expressed by a subset of thymic medullary epithelial cells.

A monoclonal antibody (mAb), named TE-4F 10, was produced by fusing P3X-Ag8 myeloma cells with splenocytes of BALB/c mice immunized with a rat medullary thymic epithelial cell (TEC) line, (TE-R 2.5), previously established in our Institute. Flow cytometry showed that 85-95% TE-R 2.5 cells expressed the TE-4F10 antigen. The mAb immunoprecipitated a 29 kDa molecule from the TE-R2.5 cell lysate. Immunohistochemical analysis using single and double staining of the thymus with anti-cytokeratin (CK) mAb, showed that TE- 4F10 mAb selectively stains a subpopulation of medullary TEC. Hematopoietic and lymphoid cells were negative. The expression of the TE-4F10 antigen on TE-R 2.5 cells in vitro was significantly upregulated by interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha). Other cytokines IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and granulocyte - macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) showed lesser stimulation on its expression, whereas interferon gamma (IFN) and dexamethasone were without significant effect. The TE-R 2.5 cell line strongly bound and induced apoptosis of a rat / mouse thymocyte heterohybridoma (BWRT8), phenotypically alphabetaTCRhiCD4hiCD8lo. TE-4F10 mAb significantly inhibited binding (40-50%) of both BWRT8 cells and the BWRT8 - MDP.1 subclone to TE-R 2.5 cells. The inhibition was enhanced when TEC were stimulated with IL-1 + TNFalpha. The mAb also significantly blocked apoptosis of BWRT8 but did not modulate cell death of the BWRT8 - MDP.1 subclone, which was resistant to TEC-induced apoptosis. These findings indicate that the TE-4F10 antigen might be selectively involved in adhesion and selection processes in the medullary thymic microenvironment. The mAb of the same characteristics has not been described so far.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Comparison of signaling pathways involved in apoptosis of a thymocyte hybridoma triggered by a rat thymic medullary epithelial cell line, dexamethasone or T-cell receptor cross-linking.

Using an in vitro co-culture assay we found that a rat medullary thymic epithelial cell (TEC) line (TE-R2.5) induces apoptosis of the BWRT8 thymocyte hybridoma (TH) (CD4(hi)CD8(low) alphabetaTCR(hi)). TH apoptosis induced by this TEC line was predominantly mediated by direct cell-cell contacts and was potentiated by cross-linking of the T cell receptor (TCR) by R73 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Dexamethasone (Dx) also triggered TH apoptosis but inhibited death of these cells induced by TE-R2.5 cells or immobilized R73 mAb. The TEC-induced apoptosis was independent of the LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction but partly depended on a novel 29 kDa molecule expressed on TE-R2.5 cells. All three types of TH apoptosis were followed by the cleavage of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase and were blocked by a caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-CH(2)F.PKC stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate interfered with the TH apoptosis induced by TE-R2.5 and Dx, but did not modulate the effect of R73 mAb. On the contrary, inhibition of calcineurin with cyclosporine A did not influence the apoptosis induced by TE-R2.5 and Dx, but completely prevented the R73-triggered TH cell death. The TE-R2.5-mediated BWRT8 apoptosis was suppressed by Na-orthovanadate, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) as well as by genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitor, while both compounds potentiated the effect of Dx. Blocking PTP, but not PTK decreased the proapoptotic effect of R73 mAb. These results, including those using a BWRT8 subclone (BWRT8-MDP.2) which is resistant to TCR-triggered apoptosis, but sensitive to apoptosis stimulated by TE-R2.5 and Dx, indicate that TE-R2.5-induced TH apoptosis in our model is different from apoptosis in other TEC co-culture models, published so far.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Modulatory effect of 7-thia-8-oxoguanosine on proliferation of rat thymocytes in vitro stimulated with concanavalin A.

7-thia-8-oxoguanosine (immunosine) is a guanosine analogue showing immunostimulatory activity on different components of the immune system, including B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages. However, little is known about its effect on T-cell functions. In this work it was demonstrated that immunosine at concentrations between 10 microM and 1 mM stimulated proliferation of rat thymocytes in vitro triggered by suboptimal concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A). The effect correlated with increased interleukin 2 (IL-2) production, upregulation of the IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha) expression and decreased apoptosis of thymocytes in comparison to the effect of Con A alone.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed2000

Increased activity of lymph node cells in experimental thermal injury: changes in accessory cells in injured area-draining lymph nodes.

Accessory cell content and some of their functional characteristics were determined in regional lymph nodes which drain burn injury (DLN) in rats. Increase in percentages of non-specific esterase-positive cells and NBT+ macrophages and in numbers of dendritic cells were noted in cytospin preparations of draining lymph node cells (DLC) 24 and 72 h following thermal injury. An accumulation of B cells was also noted in the DLN paracortex region at these time points. Enrichment of ED1+ (rat macrophage marker) cells was noted in the adherent DLC population. Increased activity of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in conditioned medium from adherent DLC population and the increased stimulatory capacity of whole DLC or dendritic cell enriched-DLC fraction were noted in functional assays. Enrichment in accessory cells and an increase in their functional activity could contribute to the endogenous activity of regional lymph nodes which drain burned areas.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

A monoclonal antibody to the rat Crry/p65 antigen, a complement regulatory membrane protein, stimulates adhesion and proliferation of thymocytes.

A murine monoclonal antibody (mAb), 3F10, was produced by fusion of spleen cells obtained from mice immunized with a rat cortical thymic epithelial cell line (R-TNC.1) stimulated with interferon-gamma and P3X myeloma cells. 3F10 recognized an antigen expressed both on thymocytes and non-lymphoid cells in the thymus. Flow cytometry showed that 3F10 stained more than 98% thymocytes and 90% R-TNC.1 cells. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot studies demonstrated that 3F10 reacted with molecules of 55000 and 65000 MW from both thymocyte and R-TNC.1 cell lysates. 3F10 recognized the same antigen on Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with rat Crry as did 5I2 mAb, confirming the specificity of 3F10 mAb for the rat homologue of mouse Crry/p65, a membrane-bound complement regulatory protein. 3F10 mAb induced homotypic aggregation of thymocytes and exhibited an additive effect on the aggregation evoked by phorbol myristate acetate. The aggregation was dependent on active cell metabolism, intact cytoskeleton, divalent cations and activation of protein phosphatases 1 and 2A (as assessed by use of okadaic acid). In contrast, H-7, HA1004 and genistein partially inhibited, whereas staurosporine potentiated the aggregation of thymocytes triggered by 3F10. 3F10 mAb also stimulated binding of thymocytes to the R-TNC.1 line. Both homotypic and heterotypic adhesive interactions are mediated by leucocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1). In addition, 3F10 stimulated proliferation of thymocytes induced by suboptimal concentrations of concanavalin A. These data suggest that rat Crry/p65 might be involved in the regulation of both cell adhesion and activation of thymocytes. This is a novel, non-complement-dependent function of Crry/p65.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Garlic extracts stimulate proliferation of rat lymphocytes in vitro by increasing IL-2 and IL-4 production.

Garlic components are known to modulate certain immune functions. However, mechanisms of their action are not sufficiently elucidated. This study was, therefore, undertaken to examine the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts prepared from a garlic powder sample on proliferation of rat spleen lymphocytes in culture. Cells were stimulated with the combination of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and a Ca ionophore (A23187) or R73 monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed to the alphabeta chain of T cell receptor. It has been shown that both extracts significantly stimulated proliferation of lymphocytes. The effect correlated with upregulation of the Interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL-2R alpha) expression and the increase in IL-2 production. Stimulation of IL-2 production by the extracts was higher in cultures with PMA/Ca ionophore than in cultures with R73 mAb. In contrast, both extracts stimulated production of IL-4 by splenocytes triggered by R73 mAb. The complete dependence of lymphocyte proliferation in cultures with R73 mAb and garlic extracts on IL-2 and IL-4 was demonstrated using neutralising mAbs to IL-2R alpha and IL-4. These results suggest that the potentiating effect of garlic extracts on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro differs depending on specific stimulators of cell proliferation and probably on the type of responding cells.

Allium↗

PubMed2000

Xylazine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, modulates proliferation of rat thymocytes in vivo and in vitro.

The effect of xylazine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, on proliferation of rat thymocytes in vivo and in vitro was examined. It was found that the agonist administered to rats in vivo at doses of 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg stimulated thymocyte proliferation to suboptimal (0.625 microgram/ml) concentrations of concanavalin A (Con A). A similar effect was confirmed in vitro when lower concentrations of xylazine (5 microM) were added to cultures of thymic cells from intact animals in the presence of both suboptimal and optimal (2.5 micrograms/ml) Con A concentrations. Higher doses in vivo (25 mg/kg) and in vitro (50 microM, 100 microM and 250 microM) significantly inhibited proliferation of thymocytes to Con A. The phenomenon was followed by a decrease in interleukin-2 (IL-2) production (in vivo and in vitro) and down-regulation of IL-2 receptor alpha (IL-2R alpha) expression (in vitro). The exogenous IL-2 completely restored the inhibitory effect of xylazine in vivo on thymocyte proliferation. However, a minimal influence of the cytokine on the xylazine-inhibited thymocyte proliferation in vitro was observed. Stimulatory effect of xylazine on proliferation of thymocytes was probably mediated through alpha 2-adrenoreceptors since it was blocked by yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist. It seems that the pathways involved in inhibition of thymocyte proliferation by xylazine are more complex because the xylazine-suppressed thymocyte proliferation was potentiated by yohimbine.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed1999

A nucleoside analogue, 7-thia-8-oxoguanosine stimulates proliferation of thymocytes in vitro.

7-thia-8-oxoguanosine (immunosine) is a nucleoside analogue with immunoenhancing activity. In this work, its effects on proliferation of thymocytes in vitro were studied. It was found that immunosine stimulated proliferation of thymocytes both of mice and rats. The stimulatory effect depended on antigen presenting cells (APC), since thymocytes depleted of accessory cells did not proliferate to immunosine. In addition, pretreatment of APC with immunosine for 24 h significantly increased proliferation of thymocytes. Immunosine stimulated interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and the expression of activation markers (CD25 and CD71). The upregulation of CD25 (alpha subunit of IL-2R) was detected both on thymocytes and thymic dendritic cells. Proliferation of thymocytes in the presence of immunosine was predominantly mediated by IL-2 since blocking IL-2Ralpha by specific monoclonal antibodies inhibited cell proliferation by 65-85%.

Animals↗