Feline lymphocytes: observations on surface membrane concanavalin A receptor mobility

The mechanics of concanavalin A receptor mobility of the feline lymphocyte surface membrane were investigated, utilizing fluorescein-labeled lectin to quantitate lymphocyte capping. The results of this study indicated that lectin concentration and buffer selection were critical for extensive receptor redistribution with cap formation of feline lymphocytes. Maximal capping was obtained with 50 microgram of concanavalin A/ml of minimal essential medium. The mean capping rate of peripheral blood lymphocytes increased significantly with colchicine exposure at 10(-7) M concentration. The mean values of capping increased slightly with advancing age of feline donors, although this difference was not statistically significant. Concurrent work has indicated that concanavalin A capping may be useful in the study of immunosuppression in feline leukemia virus-infected cats.