Schwann Cell Marker Defined by a Monoclonal Antibody (224–58) with Species Cross‐Reactivity. I. Cellular Localization

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Abstract
We have demonstrated by indirect immunoflu‐orescence the cellular localization of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 224–58), produced after immunization of a mouse with human central nervous system (CNS) myelin. Serologically, mAb 224‐58 was found to be specific for 3′‐sulfomonogalactosylglycolipids, namely 3′‐sulfogalac‐tosylceramide (SGC) and 3′‐sulfogalactosyl 1‐O‐alkyl ether 2‐O‐acylglycerol (seminolipid). This mAb did not bind to SGC‐containing tissues such as kidney, liver, spleen, or brain, nor to muscle. However mAb 224–58 did stain positively mouse, rat, and human peripheral nerve sections. In these latter sections, mAb 224–58 was bound to Schwann cell bodies and processes. The specificity of mAb 224–58 for Schwann cells was ascertained on teased rat sciatic nerves and rat Schwann cell cultures. Cells positive for mAb 224–58 were also positive for laminin, and negative for Thy 1–1 antigens both in teased fibers and Schwann cell cultures. In addition, in teased nerve preparations, mAb 224–58‐positive cells were also galactosylceramide (GalC)‐ and SGC‐positive. Isolated Schwann cells also expressed 224–58 antigen, even after prolonged time in culture. On testis sections, which contain both SGC and seminolipid, the SGC‐positive cells, i.e., the spermatogonia, were always 224–58‐negative. But the other germinal cells were 224–58‐positive. This suggests that although 224–58 does not discriminate between SGC and seminolipid in serological tests, these lipids in their naturally occurring membrane acquire a spatial configuration that renders them distinguishable to their respective antibody.