MARGINAL ZONE MACROPHAGES IDENTIFIED BY A MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY - CHARACTERIZATION OF IMMUNO-HISTOCHEMICAL AND ENZYME-HISTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITIES

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  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 55  (1) , 23-30
Abstract
The non-lymphoid cell of the marginal zone is described and identified by a monoclonal antibody, ERTR9. The characteristics of these mouse marginal zone macrophages were investigated by use of a 2-step immunoperoxidase method (on light and ultrastructural level) in combination with enzyme-cytochemical techniques and functional tests. The marginal zone macrophage appears to be a large cell with close contacts between its cell processes and surrounding marginal zone B cells, and with a well-developed phagocytic capacity. These ERTR9-positive macrophages are capable of selective uptake and retention of i.v. injected fluorescein isothiocyanate-Ficoll and are negative for Ia antigen and for the macrophage-related F4/80 antigen. By these characteristics, they constitute a subpopulation of non-lymphoid cells of the spleen, unique for the marginal zone.