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

We described changes in nonprotein sulfhydryl content and in intracellular concentration of cysteine (unbound form) in lymphocytes incubated with cysteine, cysteine hydrazide and D-penicillamine (dimethy lcysteine) in concentrations which do not alter the viability of the cells. Essential differences between the action of cysteine and cysteine hydrazide on one hand, and D-penicillamine on the other, can be observed. The formers cause the argumentation in nonprotein thiols content in lymphocytes, whereas D-penicillamine in a similar concentration does hardly alters the intracellular redox -SH/SS potential of nonprotein thiols within the lymphocytes.