Interactions between neuraminidase-treated lymphocytes and liver cells.

Neuraminidase-treated rat lymphocytes and rat hepatocytes spontaneously aggregate when mixed in vitro. Adhesion between cells is due to stereo-specific interactions between a mammalian hepatic membrane lectin and galactosyl residues which are exposed on the lymphocyte surface after removal of sialic acid residues. The hepatic galactose specific lectin may play a role in the accumulation of recirculating desialylated lymphocytes in the liver.