5-Nucleotidase activity in isolated follicular dendritic cells

Follicular dendritic cells isolated from mouse lymph nodes were incubated in the presence of AMP to test 5-nucleotidase (5-Nase) activity. Ultrastructural observations showed the presence of 5-Nase on external membranes but also some activity inside the nucleus. 5-Nase was found associated to Fc receptors labelled with homologous immunoglobulins fixed on colloidal gold particles. Lymphocytes and macrophages, found in association with the follicular dendritic cells, were either 5-Nase positive or negative. The hypothetical roles played by 5-Nase in germinal centers are discussed.