Effect of adenosine and pertussis vaccine on lymphocyte response in vitro to phytohemagglutinin in asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects.

Adenosine and pertussis vaccine each significantly suppressed the in vitro lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects. On the other hand, pertussis vaccine significantly enhanced the response of the lymphocytes treated with a lower concentration of adenosine both in asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects. It was also shown that lymphocytes from asthmatic and non-asthmatic subjects responded similarly to the modulating effect of adenosine and/or pertussis vaccine on PHA stimulation. These data give further evidence for the complex interplay of the vaccine with endogenous adenosine.