Surface mapping of mouse thymocytes.

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Abstract
The blocking method used previously for determining the relative positions of different components of the cell surface was modified by first fixing the cells with paraformaldehyde. This technique was applied to the H-2K (K), H-2D (D), TL, Lyt-1 and Lyt-2 surface components of mouse thymocytes, and the results were compared in parallel with data obtained with the original technique with unfixed cells. Previous mapping data with unfixed cells, indicating the positions of these molecules relative to one another, were confirmed with paraformaldehyde-fixed cells, with 1 exception. On unfixed cells, D and TL appeared sufficiently adjacent to produce mutual interference in the attachment of anti-D and anti-TL antibodies [Ab]. With paraformaldehyde-fixed cells D and TL appeared sufficiently separated from one another to obviate interference in the attachment of anti-D and anti-TL Ab. The previously reported close association of K with Lyt-1 and of D with Lyt-2 were demonstrable equally with unfixed and paraformaldehyde-fixed thymocytes. Activation of D sites, and alternatively of TL sites, by Ab may bring these 2 molecules into apposition. This movement may exemplify a mechanism concerned in immunological recognition and response.