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Null cells in the mouse possess membrane immunoglobulins.
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|November 1, 1978
Summary
Null cells from athymic mice, lacking typical T and B cell markers, possess surface immunoglobulins. These immunoglobulins are similar to B cells but present in lower amounts, detected by advanced techniques.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Congenitally athymic mice lack T and B lymphocytes.
- Null cells are a population lacking typical lymphocyte surface markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of surface immunoglobulins on null cells.
- To determine if null cells express immunoglobulin molecules.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of null cells from athymic mouse spleens using nylon wool or anti-IgM Sepharose beads.
- Detection of surface immunoglobulins via indirect immunofluorescence using anti-Fab antibodies and radioiodination followed by cell lysis.
- Characterization of detected immunoglobulins using radioimmunoassay and SDS-PAGE.
Main Results:
- Null cells, initially negative for surface immunoglobulin by standard methods, showed positive results with anti-Fab antibodies.
- Immunoglobulins were detected in radioiodinated null cell lysates.
- Analysis revealed surface immunoglobulins on null cells are qualitatively similar to B cells but present at 10-30% of B cell levels.
Conclusions:
- Null cells possess surface immunoglobulin molecules.
- These findings suggest a potential relationship between null cells and B lymphocytes, despite lacking conventional markers.