[Mechanism of lymphocyte activation by periodic acids. Blastogenesis and induction of immunomodulator populations].

Mild periodate treatment is mitogenic for T lymphocytes. With murine spleen cells periodate oxidation is effective between C8 and C9 on sialyl acid residues. With human blood lymphocytes this oxidation occurs between C7 and C8 of these residues. In vitro immune response is inhibited by periodate treatment. Activation of an immunosuppressive T lymphocyte population is obtained. Similar results are performed with human blood lymphocytes.