Heterogeneity of populations of antibody-forming cells fractionated by glass bead columns

Abstract

Spleen cell suspension, obtained from mice immunized 2–4 days previously with sheep erythrocytes, were filtered on glass bead columns. The proportion of cells which adhered to the column rose during the first 3 days to about 45%, compared with 8% in controls. This adherent fraction was shown to be relatively rich in antibody-forming cells as judged by immunocyto-adherence. After transfer to lethally irradiated recipients, cells of this fraction formed antibody which was detectable in the serum from 24 hours onwards. Cells of the non-adherent fraction also form antibody in irradiated recipients, but not before the 4th day after transfer.