Identification of pregnancy-associated alpha-macroglobulin on the surface of peripheral blood leucocyte populations
Stimson, W.H.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 28(3): 445-452
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 70291 Document Number: 124136
Pregnancy-associated .alpha.-macroglobulin (PAM) was identified on the surface membranes of human peripheral blood leukocytes by immunofluorescent staining. Subjects having a high serum-level of the glycoprotein (pregnant and contraceptive steroid-treated women) possessed a significantly greater proportion of PAM-positive cells than those (normal males) with a low concentration. No correlation was found between the serum values and the percentage of PAM-associated leukocytes. Studies employing purified leukocyte-types and the simultaneous detection of PAM and lymphocyte surface markers indicated that only subpopulations of T [thymus-derived] lymphocytes (23%) and monocytes (40%) were associated with this serum protein. [The possible importance of PAM to cellular immunity is discussed.].