The in Vitro Transformation of Lymphocytes of Premature and Mature Infants

Abstract

The functions of organs in newborn infants are immature according to Salge [8]. He was speaking of “developing functions,” a notion that has prompted a great number of studies. Oftentimes the newborn is thought helpless. From the neurological point of view and that of behavioral research this view has first been vigorously attacked by Peiper [7]. Decisive progress has been made in immunology during recent years, suggesting that the newborn infant is not helpless as regards also his resistance. This does not apply so much to the transplacental transmission of immune antibodies as to the fact that the fetus is able to form antibodies upon stimulation by antigens while still in the uterus. IgM-globulin was thus demonstrated following intrauterine inoculation with syphilis or toxoplasmosis and found to be of diagnostic value as in the case of the FTA-absorption test.

The experimental studies were supported by a grant of the “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft”, which is also hereby gratefully acknowledged.