Analysis of physical parameters of discrete cell populations. (Double data control by combining specific density and...

Physical cell separations are employed in a number of investigations in cell biology, immunology, haematology, etc., when the study of homogeneous cell populations is required. Differences in physical characters are reflected in the various functions and differentiation stages of the individual cell lines, which can be concentrated and separated into discrete cell classes by these methods. The correct utilization of the separation techniques mainly depends on the knowledge of the physical laws on which they are based. This paper discusses the theoretical background and a practical application of a combined separation procedure which uses velocity sedimentation and linear density gradient and also gives a double check of the physical data obtained in the different experiments. As an example of this analysis, cells from the lymph nodes of Hodgkin's patients were separated, and the physical parameters as well as some sources of 'error' in the experimental results obtained with these 'Hodgkin's cells' are reported and discussed.