Effect of microenvironment on functional activity of murine B-lymphocytes

In contrast to B-splenocytes, murine peritoneal B-cells do not produce or secrete immunoglobulins (Ig). Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal transfer of splenocytes containing Ig-forming cells (IFC), IFC content in the peritoneal cavity of recipient mice decreases dramatically. This decrease does not depend on the migration of transferred IFC to the spleen (homing); splenectomy has no effect on this process. In order to check whether the lack of IFC in the peritoneal cavity is due to inhibition of synthesis or secretion of Ig, peritoneal cells (contained 4360 IFC/10 6 cells) of CBA mice were intraperitoneally transferred to CBA/N mice after a 4-day preincubation in vitro. On the next day, ∼30% of in vitro transferred IFC were detected in the peritoneal cavity of recipient mice, but on day 4 the IFC content in peritoneum returned to the background level. Repeated in vitro incubation of peritoneal cells of recipient mice restored the IFC number in cultured cells. It means that peritoneal microenvironment inhibits functional activity of murine B-lymphocytes.