Marginal metallophilic cells of the mouse spleen identified by a monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody, MOMA-1, is described that recognizes the marginal metallophilic macrophages in the mouse spleen. The cells are localized at the marginal sinus forming a ring around the periarteriolar lymphocyte sheath and follicular areas at the inner side of the marginal zone. They show high non-specific esterase activity and can be distinguished from the marginal zone macrophages by antibody staining and the lack of FITC-Ficoll uptake. The relationship of MOMA-1-positive cells with other macrophage populations is discussed.