title: Marginal zone macrophages identified by a monoclonal antibody: characterization of immuno- and enzyme-histochemical properties and functional capacities.
abstract: In the present study, the non-lymphoid cell of the marginal zone is described: the marginal zone macrophage, identified by a monoclonal antibody, ERTR9. The characteristics of these cells were investigated by use of a two-step immunoperoxidase method (on light and ultrastructural level) in combination with enzyme-cytochemical techniques and functional tests. The marginal zone macrophage appears to be a large cell with close contacts between its cell processes and surrounding marginal zone B cells, and with a well-developed phagocytic capacity. These ERTR9-positive macrophages are capable of selective uptake and retention of i.v. injected FITC-Ficoll and are negative for Ia antigen as well as for the macrophage-related F4/80 antigen. By these characteristics, they constitute a subpopulation of non-lymphoid cells of spleen unique for the marginal zone.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D005362:Ficoll / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005452:Fluoresceins / Q000378:metabolism; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010587:Phagocytosis; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005452:Fluoresceins; C045540:fluorescein 5-isothiocyanate-Ficoll; D005362:Ficoll; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate