Studies on the influence of thiols on lymphocytes (T-type lymphocytes) function.

Changes of the oxidation/reduction potential of the coupled -SH/SS low molecular sulfhydryl system in rat lymphocytes were determined after incubation of cells with D-penicillamine, cysteine and cysteine hydrazide, in concentration of thiols which did not disturb the response of the cells to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Considerable increase of the -SH content in lymphocytes was observed after treatment of the cells with cysteine and cysteine hydrazide. Our findings suggest that the biological effect of thiols used in optimal concentrations and conditions might be coupled with the disturbance of the -SH/SS oxidation/reduction system in cells.