Characterization of pig lymphocyte subpopulations by adherence to nylon wool.

The property of adherence to nylon wool was used to separate and characterize pig blood lymphocyte subpopulations. Thymus-dependent null cells proved the least adherent lymphocytes, and B cells, bearing surface Ig or Fc receptor, the most adherent. sIg+ lymphocytes detected by immunofluorescence and by 51Cr release cytotoxicity showed similar frequency and adherence properties. Lymphocytes rosetting with SRBC in PBS or in dextran had similar adherence patterns and showed both non-adherent and adherent components. Lymphocytes bearing major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Ia-like antigens shown by eosin exclusion or 51Cr release cytotoxicity were enriched in the adherent fraction, but also occurred in significant numbers in the non-adherent fraction. Non-adherent Ia+ cells were predominantly sIg- and probably T cells, whereas the adherent Ia+ group included the sIg+ cells and some sIg- cells.