Distinct subpopulations of thymus-dependent lymphocytes. Tracing of the differentiation pathway of T cells by use of preparatively electrophoretically separated mouse lymphocytes.

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  • 1 May 1974
    • journal article
    • Vol. 26  (5) , 995-1012
Abstract
Thymus-dependent cells from thymus and peripheral lymphoid organs were preparatively separated by means of free flow electrophoresis into various subpopulations which were defined in terms of θ (theta) antigen content, negative surface charge, graft-versus-host (GvH) reactivity, hydrocortisone sensitivity, cell volume and morphological details. Most thymocytes in the cortex have a low negative surface charge, high θ antigen content, are hydrocortisone-sensitive and immuno-incompetent. On the basis of electronic cell sizing this group consists of a large population of 90 μm3 cells (T1) and a small population of 175 μm3 cells (T2), the latter being less hydrocortisone-sensitive than the former.