Correlation between inhibition of indicator cell migration and tuberculin hypersensitivity in patients with suspected tuberculous inflammation of the uveal tissue.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with suspected tuberculous inflammation of the uveal tissue were examined for their capacity to produce in vitro a migration inhibition factor in the presence of specific antigen. Three modifications of the capillary tube migration technique were used to demonstrate MIF. The indicator cells were guinea pig peritoneal macrophages and human peripheral blood leucoytes. A correlation was found between the migration of indicator cells influenced by lymphocytes from Mantoux-positive donors in the presence of specific antigen and the tuberculin sensitivity. The possible uses of the in vitro tests as a correlate to cellular hypersensitivity in vivo in the human system are discussed.