5-Hydroxytryptamine releasing activity in culture supernatants of guinea pig lymphocytes.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is not only involved in anaphylactic reactions but also in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions. Supernatants of cultivated guinea pig spleen lymphocytes were investigated for possessing 5-HT releasing activity. Both fractionated supernatants of mixed lymphocytes unspecifically stimulated by Concanavalin A (Con A) and fractionated supernatants of non-stimulated mixed lymphocytes decrease the 5-HT content of rabbit thrombocytes. Fractions of a molecular weight smaller than 12,500 daltons are more effective than fractions of a higher molecular weight range. The 5-HT releasing activity of the supernatants is discussed in comparison to a cell migration stimulating activity.