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B lymphocyte colony-forming cells in the SJL/J mouse
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|April 1, 1977
Summary
Aging SJL/J mice develop increased B lymphocyte colony-forming cells in their thymus. These thymus-seeking B lymphocytes are more frequent in healthy aged mice compared to those with tumors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- The SJL/J mouse strain exhibits unique immunological characteristics with age.
- Understanding B lymphocyte development and function in aging is crucial for immune health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and characteristics of B lymphocyte colony-forming cells in the aging SJL/J mouse thymus.
- To compare B lymphocyte colony formation in SJL/J mice with other inbred strains and with aging mice with and without tumors.
Main Methods:
- Mercaptoethanol-induced B lymphocyte cloning in semi-solid agar.
- Flow cytometry to identify B lymphocyte markers (Ig-positive, anti-micron-serum reactivity).
- Sensitivity assays for cortisol and irradiation.
- Cell transfer and thymus grafting experiments.
Main Results:
- SJL/J mouse thymus shows a significant age-related increase in B lymphocyte colony-forming cells, peaking between 6-12 months.
- Frequencies in SJL/J mice were 10-100 times higher than in five other inbred strains.
- Colony cells were confirmed as B lymphocytes.
- Thymus-derived colony-forming cells were more sensitive to cortisol and irradiation than spleen-derived cells.
- Aging SJL/J mice showed increased B lymphocyte colony-forming cells in thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes compared to tumor-bearing mice.
Conclusions:
- Aging SJL/J mice develop a distinct population of thymus-seeking B lymphocytes.
- This increase in B lymphocyte colony-forming cells may be a marker of immune aging and potentially protective against spontaneous tumors.