[58] Isolation and characterization of the thy-1 glycoproteins of rat brain and thymus

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the Thy-1 antigens, which have been identified in mice, rats, humans, and dogs. Their tissue distribution varies among species. Thy-1 antigens are abundant in adult brain and thymus of rat and mouse. It is also present on mouse peripheral T cells and constitutes the T cell marker of that species. The chapter explores that the existence of antibodies to species cross-reactive determinants led to the identification of the canine and human homologs of rat Thy-l. Purification and characterization of the Thy-1 antigens of thymus and brain have been achieved primarily in the rat. The purification of Thy-1 molecules is monitored by a cellular radioimmunoassay using glutaraldehyde-fixed target cells. It also discusses the amount of Thy-1 antigenic activity, which is present at different stages of the isolation procedure and is measured by inhibition of the binding of anti- Thy-1 antibody to glutaraldehyde-fixed mouse or rat thymocytes.