ENUMERATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN-BEARING LYMPHOCYTES IN WHOLE PERIPHERAL-BLOOD

Abstract

A new method is described for the detection by immunofluorescence of [human] lymphocyte populations in whole peripheral blood. Lymphocytes are identified by their lack of intracellular peroxidase. The absolute number of different populations can be accurately enumerated by avoiding procedures for isolating mononuclear cells before fluorescent staining. Among 22 normal individuals the mean .+-. SD percentage and absolute number of lymphocytes with stable surface immunoglobulin [Ig] were as follows: IgM, 8.1 .+-. 2.3%, 142 .+-. 60/.mu.l; IgD, 8.9 .+-. 2.2%, 212 .+-. 85/.mu.l; IgA, 2.2 .+-. 1.0%, 41 .+-. 24/.mu.l; IgG, 2.3 .+-. 1.6%, 60 .+-. 47/.mu.l. The detection of true IgG-bearing lymphocytes depends on washing the blood at 37.degree. before staining or the use of F(ab)''2 anti-IgG antibodies. The proportion of lymphocytes stained by whole IgG polyvalent anti-Ig antibody, which detects true Ig-bearing lymphocytes (B [bone marrow-derived] cells) and Fc receptor cells was constant (20.5 .+-. 1.0%) in and between individuals, but the absolute numbers (380 .+-. 117/.mu.l) varied with the lymphocyte count.