Immunofluorescence studies on the expression of VH a allotypes by pre-B and B cells of homozygous and heterozygous rabbits

• Published in: European journal of immunology Vol. 11; no. 3; p. 200
• Main Authors: Gathings, W E, Mage, R G, Cooper, M D, Lawton, A R, Young-Cooper, G O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.03.1981
• Subjects: Animals; Antigens, Surface - analysis; B-Lymphocytes - immunology; Binding Sites, Antibody - genetics; Bone Marrow - immunology; Cell Differentiation; Heterozygote; Homozygote; Immunoglobulin Allotypes; Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains - genetics; Immunoglobulin Variable Region - genetics; Rabbits; Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell - genetics
• ISSN: 0014-2980
• DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830110308

Fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies specific for C mu determinants and VH a allotypes were used to examine pre-B cells and B lymphocytes for expression of these markers. The majority of mu+ bone marrow pre-B cells were shown to express a allotypic determinants in conjunction with C mu. Both pre-B and B cells from a2 a3 heterozygous rabbits showed allelic exclusion of these allotypes. Pre-B cells expressing the a2 or a3 specificities appeared to be generated in approximately equal numbers in heterozygotes, while B lymphocytes expressing a3 appeared to undergo preferential clonal expansion very early in development. It was also observed that rabbit bone marrow and blood contained a population of myeloid cells which, in a2 a3 heterozygotes, stained for both a2 and a3 determinants. The frequencies of this cell type, which exhibited bright immunofluorescence staining for a allotypes, could not be reduced by prolonged incubation at 37 degrees C but were readily reduced after cell suspensions were treated with low pH buffer. It is concluded that these myeloid cells bear high avidity Fc receptors for serum immunoglobulin and may be the culprits in studies which have found production of two a or b allotypes by individual B lymphocytes.