| Abstract: | Using anti-light chain antiserum and rabbit complement, 12 % of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and 42 % of tonsillar lymphocytes were specifically lysed. From control experiments it could be assumed that these cells are B lymphocytes. Under comparable conditions, cytolysis of tonsillar lymphocytes on a preparative scale was achieved. After removal of the lysed cells by Ficoll-Isopaque centrifugation, the T/B cell compositions of the remaining living cell population and the untreated cell suspension were compared using the immunofluorescence technique for demonstration of surface immunoglobulin-bearing cells and the rosette tests for sheep erythrocyte-binding and complement-receptor leukocytes. A maximal B cell depletion of 97 % and a T cell enrichment up to 139 % could be obtained. The applicability of the described method for studies on lymphocyte functions is discussed. |
