Uptake and Re-secretion of Human Lactoferrin by B Lymphocytes

抄録

An electron microscopic observation using anti-human lactoferrin (LF) and gold probe and a reverse hemolytic plaque assay using anti-LF serum were done with the aim of clarifying uptake of LF by B lymphocytes and its release from the cells. The electron microscopic observation clearly demonstrated the occurrence of LF inside of the B lymphocyte. The number of LF-secreting cells, measured by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay, varied with cell types; a human-human hybridoma 9P13-2 showed the highest number, but the number was much lower with a mouse myeloma. The number of LF-secreting cells increased in proportion to the incubation period with LF. From these results, we concluded that B lymphocytes incorporated LF and then re-secreted it gradually to the extracellular medium.