Rapid separation of mouse T and B lymphocytes using wheat germ agglutinin

J Cell Physiol. 1979 Apr;99(1):95-9. doi: 10.1002/jcp.1040990111.

Abstract

A separation procedure has been developed for mouse splenic T and B lymphocytes which is based on their differential agglutination by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). In the presence of 50-100 micrograms/ml of WGA, multicellular aggregates are formed which are enriched in B cells. These aggregates can be separated from monodisperse T cells by gravity sedimentation and subsequently dissociated into single cells by treatment with N-acetylglucosamine (NAG). Immunocytochemical analyses and mitogenic assays indicate approximately 10-15% cross contamination of the resultant B and T cell fractions. The separation procedure is not only convenient and rapid but also allows the simultaneous recovery of viable T and B cells from the same spleen preparation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • Cell Separation / methods*
  • Concanavalin A / pharmacology
  • Lectins*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Nude
  • Plant Lectins
  • Spleen / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • Triticum*

Substances

  • Lectins
  • Plant Lectins
  • Concanavalin A