Expression of the Bcl-2 protein in murine and human thymocytes and in peripheral T lymphocytes.

摘要: Bcl-2, a proto-oncogene that can block apoptosis, was found to be expressed throughout the thymic medulla, but in only scattered cells cortex. In order determine precise distribution of Bcl-2 protein during thymocyte development, we utilized mAb specific for either mouse or human Bcl-2. Thymocyte subpopulations were assessed using three-color flow cytometry and saponin-permeabilization method. Staining adult thymocytes comparable, with 20 35% expressing nearly all CD4+ CD8+, CD3hi cells, 5 10% CD4+8+ cells. The CD4-8- population more variable, 25 40% 65 80% murine sorted very immature Pgp-1+/IL-2R alpha- subset had high percentage Bcl-2+ expression also examined fetal development. At day 15.5 16.5, 60 70% total By 17.5, overall fell levels 30%. present peripheral T from lymph node, spleen, blood at uniformly levels. vitro stimulation anti-CD3 anti-TCR antibodies increased cultures, could not induce even addition variety cytokines. These data suggest early double negative express lose differentiation positive stage. Thymocytes regain selection single state retain periphery.