Antigen-induced changes in B cell subsets in lymph nodes: analysis by dual fluorescence flow cytofluorometry

Eur J Immunol. 1986 Jul;16(7):829-34. doi: 10.1002/eji.1830160718.

Abstract

Changes in the representation and surface phenotype of defined B cell subsets in murine lymph nodes stimulated with keyhole limpet hemocyanin or sheep red blood cells have been analyzed by two-color immunofluorescence fluorocytometric analysis. Shortly after immunization with either antigen there is a dramatic increase in both the frequency and absolute number of IgM+, IgD+ B cells, which is followed by the formation of germinal centers. Germinal center cells, as soon as they appear on day 3 after primary immunization, bind high levels of peanut agglutinin, bear low levels of surface IgM but no detectable surface IgD, and are characterized by lack of staining with MEL-14, a monoclonal antibody which recognizes a lymphocyte surface receptor involved in lymphocyte homing. The level of I-A and H-2K region-encoded surface antigens on early germinal center cells is higher than on PNAlo B cells. During the first 7 days of the germinal centers there is a progressive decrease in the average level of H-2K but not of Ia antigens. A similar decrease was observed for ThB. It is confirmed that the germinal center cell population contains the majority of antigen-binding cells in the stimulated lymph node. These findings indicate that B cells are recruited nonspecifically to antigen-stimulated lymph nodes, and that the antigen-specific cells then selectively participate in the formation of germinal centers where they undergo specific differentiation events.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Antigens, Surface / analysis
  • B-Lymphocytes / classification*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Separation
  • Flow Cytometry
  • H-2 Antigens / analysis
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / analysis
  • Immunization
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology*
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C / immunology
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / analysis
  • Thy-1 Antigens

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Antigens, Surface
  • H-2 Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Thy-1 Antigens