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Multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of human fetal bone marrow B cells
T W LeBien1, B Wörmann, J G Villablanca
1Department of Laboratory Medicine/Pathology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455-0315.
Leukemia
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Fetal bone marrow (BM) B cells show immature phenotypes, with CD10 acting as a pan-B cell antigen. This suggests an active expansion of early B cell development during fetal life.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Hematopoiesis
Background:
- Maturation of adult bone marrow (BM) B cells involves sequential changes in cell surface antigens.
- Understanding these antigen changes in fetal BM B cells is crucial for comparative developmental studies.
- Limited information exists regarding fetal BM B cell antigen expression and maturation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare fetal and adult human bone marrow (BM) B cell development.
- To analyze cell surface antigen expression and TdT staining in fetal BM lymphoid cells.
- To characterize the immunophenotype of B cells during fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Three-color flow cytometry was used to analyze lymphoid cells from fetal BM (18-22 weeks gestation).
- Antibodies against CD3, CD10, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD34, CD45, PCA-1, IgM, and HLA-DR were utilized.
- Nuclear TdT staining was performed in conjunction with cell surface antigen analysis.
Main Results:
- Fetal BM B cells exhibit a preponderance of immature phenotypes, with CD10 identified as a pan-B cell antigen.
- A significant population (30-40%) of CD10+/CD34+/TdT+ cells was observed in fetal BM, compared to 10% in adults.
- Mature B cell markers (CD21, CD22, PCA-1) were virtually absent in fetal BM B cells.
Conclusions:
- Fetal BM B cell populations are characterized by immature phenotypes, distinct from adult BM B cells.
- The findings suggest an active expansion of early B cell ontogeny during fetal development.
- These immature B cells likely represent precursors to the adult humoral immune system.