STUDY OF LYMPHOCYTE BEHAVIOR IN CULTURES OF FIBROBLAST-LIKE LYMPHORETICULAR CELLS

Fibroblast-like reticular cells were isolated from mouse lymph node and spleen and maintained in culture. These cells were found to be highly phagocytic and possess receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin and for activated complement. These cells, unlike fibroblasts from other sources, were found to bind both syngeneic and allogeneic thymocytes and peripheral lymphocytes in large numbers. Thymocytes consistently bind in larger numbers than peripheral lymphocytes and there appears to be a qualitative difference in this binding. Identification of the bound cells using immunofluorescent techniques showed that more than 90% of bound peripheral lymphocytes are B cells. Microcinematographic studies suggest that lymphocytes, normally very nonadhesive, move readily over and between confluent layers of reticular cells. The significance of these observations to lymphocyte recirculation and positioning is discussed. © 1979.