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Mouse spleen lymphoblasts generated in vitro. Their replication and differentiation in vitro
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Mitogen-stimulated mouse spleen lymphoblasts divide twice in vitro before maturing into short-lived plasma cells. This study tracks lymphoblast proliferation and differentiation, revealing a rapid maturation process after limited cell division.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mouse spleen lymphoblasts are crucial for immune responses.
- Understanding lymphoblast proliferation and differentiation is key to immunology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proliferation and differentiation of mouse spleen lymphoblasts in vitro.
- To determine the cell division rate and lifespan of lymphoblasts and their progeny.
Main Methods:
- Induction and isolation of mouse spleen lymphoblasts.
- In vitro culture and maintenance for 3 days.
- [(3)H]thymidine labeling for cell tracking and proliferation analysis.
- Flow microfluorometry and morphological studies.
- Immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Lymphoblasts divided approximately twice in vitro over 2-3 days.
- 50-70% of proliferating lymphoblasts ceased proliferation after 2-3 days.
- Lymphoblasts matured into plasma cells, characterized by specific cytologic features and cytoplasmic Ig.
- Significant loss of cell-associated label occurred after day 1, attributed to plasma cell maturation and short lifespan.
Conclusions:
- Mitogen-stimulated B blasts differentiate into plasma cells after two cell divisions.
- These in vitro-derived plasma cells mimic those produced in vivo during immune responses.
- The rapid maturation and short lifespan of plasma cells contribute to the observed loss of labeled cells in culture.