An evaluation of serum sources used in the separation of T- and B-lymphocytes by nylon-wool columns.

Gamma-globulin-free (GG-) newborn-calf, mouse and horse, as well as newborn-calf and calf serums were evaluated as substitutes for fetal bovine serum in the classical nylon-wool procedure used for the separation of T- and B-lymphocytes. The efficacy of the cell separation was evaluated by non-specific esterase staining and cytotoxicity tests for cell surface Thy 1.2 antigen and surface immunoglobulins. The results of these studies indicate that GG- newborn-calf, mouse and horse but not newborn-calf or calf serum could be substituted for fetal bovine serum. The results of these studies also indicate that the ratio of adherent to non-adherent cells is a useful indicator of the efficacy of the cell separation. A ratio of non-adherent to adherent less than 1.0 is indicative of a successful separation.