CHARACTERIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF RAT LEUKEMIAS AND LYMPHOMAS BY MEMBRANE MARKERS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (5) , 1938-1942
Abstract
An immunological characterization of leukemias and lymphomas was made in the rat by using a panel of membrane markers in combination with morphological analysis. Five antigen markers and 3 surface markers were used for the characterization of 20 rat leukemias and lymphomas; it was indicated that they could be divided into at least 6 groups. Of the lymphomas studied, 6 thymic lymphomas (group 1) had the Thy-1.1 antigen, T cell antigen receptors for guinea pig red blood cells; 5 extrathymic lymphomas (group 2) lacked T and B cell antigens, receptors for guinea pig red blood cells and surface immunoglobulin but 3 had complement receptors. An absorption test revealed that group 2 lymphomas possess a very low amount of the Thy-1.1 antigen compared to group 1 lymphomas. None of the leukemias studied had detectable T and B cell antigen. Four leukemias had undifferentiated blast cell morphology and bore the Thy-1.1 antigen; 3 leukemias (group 3) reacted with anti-lymphocyte serum but 1 leukemia (group 4) did not. Two leukemias (group 5) had only the complement receptor and morphologically showed granulcotyic appearance. Three leukemias (group 6) had none of the membrane markers used and morphologically resembled erythroblasts. An attempt was made to classify these leukemias and lymphomas into T cell lineage, B cell lineage, stem cell, myeloid and erythroid groups. The stage of differentiation in the lymphocyte maturational pathway of the leukemias and lymphomas belonging to groups 1 to 4 is discussed.

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