Studies on mitogen activity of the dextrans.

The influence of dextrans of various molecule sizes on blastic transformation induced by Con A and PHA lectins was studied. It was found that particularly dextran of smaller molecule inhibits blastogenesis induced by Con A. The dextran of greater molecule is less so inhibitory. On the other hand, in the effect of dextrans on the induction provoked by PHA their stimulating component is rather pronounced. Discussing the obtained results it was pointed out that the dextrans depending on the molecule exhibit the affinity to lymphocyte receptors for lectins and both blocking and stimulating effects may be involved.