Light microscope identification of murine B and T cells by means of functional polymeric microspheres

Use of antibody-coated polyacrylic plastic beads for semiquantitative determination of cell surface antigens

Polyacrylic plastic beads coated with specific antibodies, which had previously been shown to bind specifically to cells carrying the related antigen, are shown to react quantitatively with the antigen on individual cells. The number of beads per cell which can be counted by simple microscopy is a measure of the amount of antigen accessible on the cell surface. The method may also be used in combination with other methods for cell surface antigens, such as immunofluorescence, for multiple antigen determination.

Immunomicrospheres: reagents for cell labeling and separation

Immunomicrospheres are specially designed microscopic particles that have antibodies or similar molecules chemically bound to their surfaces. The antibody-coated microspheres react in a highly specific way with target cells, viruses, or other antigenic agents. Immunomicropheres may be synthesized so that they incorporate compounds that are highly radioactive, intensely fluorescent, magnetic, electron opaque, highly colored, or pharmacologically active. These various types of microspheres may be coated with pure, highly specific monoclonal antibodies obtained by the new hybridoma cell cloning techniques or with conventional antibody preparations. Some of the many present and potential applications for these new reagents are (i) new types of radioimmune or immunofluorescent assays, (ii) improved fluorescence microscopy, (iii) separation of cells on the basis of the fluorescent, electrophoretic, or magnetic properties of bound immunomicrospheres, (iv) markers for use in several types of electron or standard light microscopy, and (v) delivery of lethal compounds to specific undesirable living cells. The combination of the various new types of synthetic microspheres and the newly available homogeneous antibodies offers new opportunities in research, diagnosis, and therapy.

Polyglutaraldehyde: a new reagent for coupling proteins to microspheres and for labeling cell-surface receptions. II. Simplified labeling method by means of non-magnetic and magnetic polyglutaraldehyde microspheres

Procedures were developed for the synthesis of a new immunoreagent in form of polyglutaraldehyde (PGL) microspheres in sizes ranging from about 50 nm to 1.5 micron. Addition of fluorochromes during synthesis yielded microspheres of high fluorescence intensity. By carrying out the polymerization of glutaraldehyde in presence of iron oxide, magnetic PGL microspheres were produced. Antibody conjugates obtained by interaction of PGL microspheres with immunoglobulins were used to label human red blood cells (RBC) and lymphocytes. A simple method for the separation of magnetically labeled human RBC from unlabeled cells was demonstrated.

Polyglutaraldehyde: a new reagent for coupling proteins to microspheres and for labeling cell-surface receptors

Glutaraldehyde polymerized in basic aqueous solutions was found to react with low molecular weight amines, immunoglobulins and hemoglobin. The polyglutaraldehyde was covalently bound to hypdrophilic microspheres. The rate of addition of proteins to the polyglutaraldehyde-derivatized microspheres was investigated spectrophotometrically as a function of pH and temperature. The reaction of polyglutaraldehyde was found to be faster than that of the monomer. The findings led to successful labeling of human lymphocyte subpopulations.

Quantitation of B cells in peripheral blood by polyacrylamide beads coated with anti-human chain antibody

A method for quantitating peripheral blood B cells is described which utilizes anti-heavy chain specific antibody attached to polyacrylamide beads. The method has the advantages of ease of performance, of utilizing reagents which are commercially available and routine phase microscopy. In addition, the reagents are stable for prolonged periods of time and only small amounts are required. Utilizing this assay, the following percentages of B cells have been found in normals: IgG 6.3 +/- 0.6; IgM 4.3 +/- 0.5; IgA 4.0 +/- 0.5. The polyacrylamide beads may be phatocytized allowed recognition of certain phagocytic mononuclear cells.

Human B lymphocytes in giemsa stained preparations

A mixed antiglobulin procedure has been developed to provide simultaneous study of cell surface immunoglobulin and detailed cytological features in Giemsa stained preparations. The percentage of surface immunoglobulin bearing lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes changed dramatically when lymphocytes were incubated at 37 degrees C, or following sheep erythrocyte rosette enrichment procedures.