A monoclonal-antibody-defined adhesion-related antigen on bovine neutrophils is required for neutrophil aggregation

Surface adhesion molecules present on human leukocytes are known to regulate certain adhesion-related events, such as adhesion to endothelium, extravasation, and aggregation. We have used a mouse anti-human monoclonal antibody designated 60.3 (MAb 60.3) and indirect immunofluorescence technique to identify an antigen on bovine neutrophils (PMNs). MAb 60.3 bound to resting and stimulated bovine PMN in a surface-oriented pattern. Immunofluorescence flow cytometric analysis indicated that warming the PMNs from 4 degrees C to 37 degrees C slightly increased (13.9%) expression of the antigen recognized by MAb 60.3. Zymosan-activated serum (ZAS, 10%) increased antigen expression by 12.4% over those PMNs in buffer alone, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 100 ng/ml) by 65.6%. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 micrograms/ml) from E. coli 0111:B4 did not enhance antigen expression. The functional nature of this antigen was demonstrated by use of MAb 60.3 and PMN aggregation. Preincubation of bovine PMN with MAb 60.3 for 10 min resulted in nearly complete inhibition of PMN-PMN aggregation upon subsequent stimulation with PMA (100 ng/ml); preincubation with a control antibody did not inhibit aggregation. These results indicate that bovine PMNs possess surface molecule(s) that may function in adhesion-related events, and surface expression may be enhanced by PMN stimulation.