Duck lymphocytes. VII. Selection of subpopulations using lectin-coated magnetic beads.

The optimum conditions (time, concentration of duck serum, ratio of cells:beads) for binding of duck lymphocytes to magnetic beads (Dynabeads) coated with the lectins phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), lentil lectin (LL) and concanavalin A (Con A) were determined. In blood and lymphoid organs, the largest population was cells binding PHA (55-80%) and the smallest was cells binding Con A (0-15%) with cells binding WGA and LL occurring at 15-58%. Most blood lymphocytes had receptors for more than one lectin, though cells with receptors for WGA were mostly a subpopulation within those possessing receptors for PHA. It is possible that, as in some other animals, lectins identify functionally important duck lymphocyte populations. Notably, PHA deserves further investigation as a marker for duck T lymphocytes, while receptors for Con A appear to be associated with duck macrophages.