Development of C3 receptors on B lymphocytes derived from normal and memory marrow cells.

Differentiation of B lymphocytes was studied by adoptive transfer of bone marrow into irradiated mice which were then assayed for generation of splenic lymphocytes with complement receptors. These cells developed to normal numbers between 20 and 25 days following marrow cell transplant. Quantitative enhancement of CRL generation occurred when recipient mice were antigen stimulated prior to assay. CRL levels returned to those of normal adults sooner than those found in mice which were not antigen stimulated. A third form of CRL development occurred in mice that were reconstituted with bone marrow cells from antigen-primed donor mice. Here complement receptor-bearing cells appeared much earlier but increased in numbers at a slower, more constant rate to a maximum level on Day 25. Attempts to T-cell deplete recipient mice did not alter receptor development.