Production of leucocyte migration inhibitory factor by neonatal lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes (mononuclear cells) from cord blood of 10 normal placentas and from 10 normal adults were assessed for production of leucocyte migration inhibiting factor (LIF) after phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation, as a measure of cell-mediated immunity. Mononuclear cells from both adult and cord blood produced adequate quantities of LIF, indicating that neonatal lymphocytes have the ability to manufacture normal amounts of lymphokines.