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Differentiating feline T and B lymphocytes by rosette formation
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|September 1, 1975
Summary
This study quantifies feline lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Bone marrow-derived lymphocytes were identified using EAC-rosette formation and membrane immunofluorescence, while thymus-dependent lymphocytes were identified via E-rosette formation with guinea pig erythrocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Science
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Accurate enumeration of lymphocyte subsets in felines is crucial for understanding immune status.
- Distinguishing between bone marrow-derived (B) and thymus-dependent (T) lymphocytes is essential for immunological assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportions of bone marrow-derived and thymus-dependent lymphocytes in feline peripheral blood.
- To establish reliable methods for identifying and quantifying these lymphocyte populations in cats.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow-derived lymphocytes were identified using erythrocyte antibody complement (EAC)-rosette formation and membrane immunofluorescence.
- Thymus-dependent lymphocytes were identified by their ability to form non-immune (E)-rosettes with rodent erythrocytes, specifically guinea pig erythrocytes.
- Antibody blocking, cytotoxicity, and mix-rosette assays confirmed the specificity of guinea pig erythrocyte binding to T lymphocytes.
- Fluorescent staining with anti-cat thymus antiserum was used to further characterize T lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was found between EAC-rosette forming cells (40.2 ± 9.7%) and cells with membrane immunoglobulins (45.3 ± 4.1%), indicating successful identification of B lymphocytes.
- An average of 32.3 ± 992% of feline peripheral blood lymphocytes formed E-rosettes with guinea pig erythrocytes.
- Approximately 41.0 ± 7.5% of feline peripheral blood lymphocytes showed positive staining with anti-cat thymus antiserum, confirming T lymphocyte presence.
Conclusions:
- Erythrocyte antibody complement (EAC)-rosette formation and membrane immunofluorescence are effective methods for identifying feline bone marrow-derived lymphocytes.
- Guinea pig erythrocytes specifically bind to feline T lymphocytes, enabling their identification via E-rosette formation.
- The study provides quantitative data on lymphocyte subsets in feline peripheral blood, contributing to feline immunology research.