Synergistic modulation of lymphocyte mitogenesis by carcinogenic xenobiotics

Modulation of cell division by potentially carcinogenic xenobiotics is of considerable interest as it may relate to the more subtle changes which stem cell populations must be presumed to undergo as a consequence of chronic low level exposure, and which manifest themselves eventually as an increased cancer frequency. Additionally the modulation of cells of the immune system in particular may indirectly contribute to an increased cancer frequency either through a reduction of immune surveillance, or through an increased incidence of viral infection. Because the biochemical events leading up to and accompanying mitogenesis are multiple, the opportunity for xenobiotic subversion is similarly large. Because of the possibility for synergic interaction between different xenobiotics upon lymphocyte mitogenesis, and the potential importance of this cell system as an indicator for safe levels of xenobiotics in the environment, the authors have investigated the effects of combinations of xenobiotics upon in vitro lymphocyte mitogenesis