In vivo enhancement of mitogen-induced lymphocyte DNA synthesis by sodium diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DTC).

Sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate (DTC), a low molecular weight sulphur compound, has been previously shown to be endowed of immunomodulatory properties. To get a better understanding of the mechanisms whereby DTC regulates the immune response, mitogen-induced lymphoproliferation was studied in spleen from guinea pigs treated with a single i.v. injection of DTC. The results clearly show that DTC enhances, after a lag period, DNA synthesis in T and B lymphocytes. DTC which appears not to act at the level of immuno-competent cells seems to modulate the immune responses through indirect pathways.