Abstract

A two-stage physical adherence column method has been developed for separation of T from B lymphocytes in normal mouse spleen on the basis of differences in cell surface adherence properties. Two fractions were selected: the 5–20% “least” adherent cells in a spleen cell suspension and the 12–25% “most” adherent cells. The following properties indicate that the “least” adherent filtrate fraction from two successive columns is a highly purified population of peripheral T cells: 1. (a) Failure to initiate a humoral response in vitro and in vivo to sheep and donkey erythrocytes. 2. (b) Ninety percent lysis by anti-θ serum and complement. 3. (c) Eight percent of cells possessed the B cell surface receptor for antigen-antibody complexes. 4. (d) Reconstitution of the depleted humoral response of the “most” adherent fraction to sheep erythrocytes in culture. Cells in this fraction were homogeneous with respect to size and morphology. They were similar to typical small lymphocytes in spleen, but their density was very much greater. The “most” adherent fraction contained 70% B cells and 30% T cells. The B cell content was 86% if the fraction was prepared from germ-free animals. Cells in this fraction were heterogeneous with respect to cell size, density, and morphology. Despite the content of T cells, it initiated a low antibody response to sheep erythrocytes and was apparently depleted of the type of T cell predominating in the filtrate. Antibody response to sheep erythrocytes of adherent cells was fully restored by filtrate fraction.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call