Morphometric characterization of NK cell subset expressing the Leu-11 antigen in comparison to Leu-7 positive, 11 negative cells.
Three subpopulations of human natural killer (NK) cells were identified by immunoelectron microscopy, using combinations of anti-Leu-7 and anti-Leu-11 monoclonal antibodies. For each subpopulation the nuclear area/cellular area ratio (An/Ac) and the perimeter/equivalent circumference ratio were evaluated employing an interactive image analyzer. Leu-11+ cells showed a larger area, a smaller An/Ac and a higher "villousity degree" in comparison to Leu-7+, 11- cells. These differences were proved to be significant using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two sample test. Previous studies described the existence of distinct cytotoxic capability, recombinant interleukin 2-mediated activation, and ultrastructural features of Leu-11+ in comparison to Leu-7+, 11- cells. This is the first report in which morphometric differences within NK cell subsets are exactly determined.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013194:Staining and Labeling
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface