Studies on the generation of B lymphocytes in the mouse embryo.
Using an organ culture technique, the development of B lymphocytes has been studied in a number of isolated embryonic hemopoietic tissues. Developing B lymphocytes were identified by cytoplasmic and surface immunofluorescence using purified class-specific antibodies and a Fab anti-immunoglobulin reagent. In fetal liver cultures these cells were further characterized for Fc and complement receptors and for the presence of mouse-specific B lymphocyte antigen. The results indicate that B lymphocytes develop independently in fetal liver and in fetal spleen; they do not develop in cultures of yolk sac and thymus. In conclusion, it is likely that B lymphocyte maturation in mammals is multifocal and is not dependent upon gastrointestinal influences as suggested previously.
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D001665:Binding Sites; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004477:Ectogenesis; D005260:Female; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; D007148:Immunoglobulin mu-Chains / Q000032:analysis; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000196:embryology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000032:analysis; D013154:Spleen / Q000196:embryology* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000196:embryology / Q000276:immunology; D014817:Vitelline Membrane / Q000276:immunology
D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; D007148:Immunoglobulin mu-Chains; D007519:Isoantigens; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D003165:Complement System Proteins