title: In situ localization of T cell receptor beta chain in the murine thymus: changes in the intrathymic distribution of thymocytes expressing beta chain during fetal development.
abstract: The expression of T cell receptor beta chain in the developing thymus was examined at the light and electron microscopic levels using the monoclonal antibody F23.1. Cells expressing cytoplasmic forms of beta chain were first observed at Day 16 of gestation, while thymocytes expressing cell surface beta chain were detected about a day later. Clustering of cortical F23.1+ cells was more pronounced in fetal thymus when compared to adult. The density of F23.1+ cells in the subcapsular areas of the thymus was initially lower than that in the rest of the cortex or the medulla. Within the subcapsular and cortical areas of the thymus there was an inverse relationship between the density of F23.1+ cells and cells labeled with the lectin from Dolichos bifloris, which binds to terminal alpha-linked N-acetylgalactosamine residues preferentially expressed by L3T4-/Lyt2- thymocytes. Although this pattern was less pronounced with increasing gestational age, it was still apparent at birth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Farr
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D005260:Female; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000378:metabolism*; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D013154:Spleen / Q000196:embryology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta