[Detection of thymocyte antigens by monoclonal antibodies of the BL series].

The reactivity of 4 monoclonal pan T cell antibodies and 6 pan leukocyte antibodies was detected with human thymocytes. The study was performed with single cell suspensions and cryostat sections using immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase techniques. Monoclonal antibodies with T cell specificity react with different percentages of thymocytes. The antibody BL-T1, which is directed against the sheep erythrocyte receptor, reacts with 90% of thymocytes. These cells were found uniform in the thymus cortex and medulla. On the other hand, the antibodies e.g. BL-T2 and T3 react only with 20% of the thymocytes, identified mainly in the medulla. Pan leukocyte antibodies are also suitable for the detection of different thymocyte membrane antigens. In single cell suspensions, it was found a reactivity of the used antibodies with 20, or 40, or 95% of the cells. The immunohistological findings are described.