Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies against rat macrophages were produced using stromal elements of rat spleen as immunogen, and designated RSM-1, RSM-2, RSM-3 and RSM-4. By the immunohistochemical method, they were found to be specific for certain macrophage populations in the spleen and other tissues. RSM-1 and RSM-2 were reactive with macrophages in the red pulp, germinal center and marginal zone, and marginal metallophils of the spleen. They were also reactive with macrophages of lymph node, both macrophages and epithelial reticulum cells of thymus, Kupffer cells, alveolar macrophages, peritoneal macrophages and monocytes in peripheral blood. RSM-3 recognized macrophages in the red pulp of the spleen and alveolar macrophages in the lung. RSM-4 was reactive with marginal zone macrophages and marginal metallophils of the spleen. By immunoelectron microscopy, reaction products for all antibodies were found on the cytoplasmic membrane.
These antibodies seem to be different from previously produced antibodies against rat macrophages, and are applicable for investigation of macrophage heterogeneity in the spleen and other tissues.
