[Proliferative response of murine lymphocytes caused by the activity of amphiphilic molecules from Propionibacterium acnes].

Splenic lymphocytes from mice treated with Propionibacterium acnes cells as well as with their cell walls were found to be variably active on the lymphoproliferative responsiveness. Furthermore, the effect of these bacterial agents on the ex vivo Con A response of the lymphocytes showed a certain stimulation that was higher with oral treatments. In the same conditions the influence of these agents on the LPS lymphocytes stimulation was almost without any statistical significance. In vitro blastogenesis experiments were undertaken in order to elucidate the influence of different amphiphilic molecules from peripheric bacterial structures on the lymphoproliferative response of murine splenocytes. Stimulation rates were also determined as a function of the (3H) thymidine incorporation. Combined effects of mitogens (Con A and LPS) with bacterial amphiphilic molecules were also evaluated as a function of the DNA synthesis variations. All cases resulted in a variable inhibition of the mitogenic response which appeared dose-dependent and more active for associations of Con A and amphiphilic molecules. The most effective intrinsic mitogenic activities were detected with teichoic acids and intracellular polysaccharides. These last molecules without purification, assayed as cytoplasmic fractions, appeared modified in the intensity of their action, depending on their carbohydrate/protein ratios.