Thymus cells were examined for Ig by exposing them to purified anti‐mouse L chain Ig labeled with 125I and examining, by bulk counting and radioautography, the amount of reagent bound. In addition, cell extracts were assayed for total Ig by a quantitative microprecipitin inhibition method. Most cells in thymus contained little Ig, but a minor subpopulation, varying in structure, did contain demonstrable Ig. This small proportion of cells (˜1%) appeared to be intrinsic to the thymus, and dose response data indicated that there was a hierarchy of Ig‐positive cells. They were enriched in the cortisone‐resistant fraction. Most were resistant to both anti‐θ and an anti‐B‐anti‐macrophage serum, leaving their identity in doubt. Some further properties, and suggestions as to the possible role of these cells in thymus, are discussed.
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Kirov et al. (1974) studied this question.
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