Topography of lymphocyte surface immunoglobulin using scanning immunoelectron microscopy

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The topographical distribution of the surface immunoglobulin (Ig) of rabbit blood lymphocytes has been determined using immunoelectron microscopic labels and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Direct and indirect immunolatex labeling on aldehyde fixed cells reveals a loosely clustered pattern of surface Ig; a diffuse labeling pattern is not observed. Much of the immunolatex label appears to be specifically associated with surface microvilli; areas of smooth unlabeled membrane are conspicuous. Dense patchlike aggregations of surface Ig occur with multivalent labeling reagents on live cells at 0°C, but a sparse and loosely clustered pattern is observed on aldehyde fixed cells. It is postulated that the loosely clustered pattern observed represents the natural arrangement of surface immunoglobulin.

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