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Inhibition by Ouabain of Human Lymphocyte Transformation induced by Phytohaemagglutinin in vitro

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Abstract

DURING a study of the blastogenic action of phyto-haemagglutinin (PHA) on small lymphocytes in vitro1, we found cause to speculate that interference with membrane ion transport might selectively inhibit part of the sequence of events2–7 required for cell transformation. We therefore investigated8 the effect of the cardiac glycoside, ouabain (‘G-Strophanthin’), which is known selectively to inhibit coupled sodium and potassium transport9–11. We now report that in vitro ouabain, at relatively low concentrations, inhibits the blastogenic action of PHA as well as the incorporation of tritiated nucleosides into nucleic acid; excess potassium in the culture medium diminishes or prevents this effect of ouabain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Protection Division, Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa

    M. R. QUASTEL

  2. Department of Biology, University of Ottawa,

    J. G. KAPLAN

Authors
  1. M. R. QUASTEL
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  2. J. G. KAPLAN
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QUASTEL, M., KAPLAN, J. Inhibition by Ouabain of Human Lymphocyte Transformation induced by Phytohaemagglutinin in vitro. Nature 219, 198–200 (1968). https://doi.org/10.1038/219198a0

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