THE ROLE OF SPECIFIC SURFACE ANTIGENS IN CELL ADHESION. PART I. THE REAGGREGATION OF SPONGE CELLS

Abstract

An investigation was made of substances that bind adjacent cell surfaces together, using 2 species of sponge, Microciona prolifera and Cliona celata. Antisera were made, in rabbits, to cell suspensions of each species and to a mixture of cells of both species. The reaggregation of dissociated cells was reversibly inhibited in the homologous antiserum. With mixtures of cells of both species in an antiserum to both, the cells sort out to form discrete species-specific aggregates. In an antiserum versus both species, sorting out does not occur and large aggregates consisting of cells of both species, randomly distributed, are formed. Calcium-free and high calcium media had no effect on adhesion.