Separation of human lymphoid cells by preparative cell electrophoresis.

By means of free-flow electrophoresis a preparative separation of cells according to their surface charge is achieved. The method has been applied to human lymphocytes of blood and of tonsils. Technical details are described and discussed with respect to optimal separation conditions, reproducibility of results and viability of the separated cells. Unseparated cells, pooled separated cells and cells corresponding to different electrophoretic mobilities are compared for stimulation in response to PHA, determination of cells bearing membrane immunoglobulins, colony growth of hemopoietic stem cells and DNA syntheses in vitro. It is concluded that reproducible results can be obtained, that the biological activities of the cells after separation are unaltered and that a separation or at least an enrichment of cells with certain properties can be achieved.