Mitogenic induction of macrophage and neutrophil proliferation in human tonsils

A spontaneous and mitogen-induced in vitro release of colony-stimulating activity from human tonsillar cells was observed. This release was absent when T cells were depleted from the cell suspension. Supernates containing colony-stimulating activity induced the proliferation and differentiation of tonsillar precursor cells into monocytes and granulocytes. The maturation and proliferation of monocytes and granulocytes were followed by a continuous flow staining technique, cytochemistry, electro-optical measurement, and signal logic processing employing the automated Hemalog D cell differential counter.