Binding of beta-Galactosidase by Cells from Germfree Colostrum-Deprived Piglets

Cells from the lymphoid organs of germfree colostrum-deprived Minnesota miniature piglets were examined for their ability to bind Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (GZ), with a histochemical detection system. From 0.3 to 1.4% of the cells in the various organs bound GZ; the binding occurred rapidly in the cold with fixed cells, and was specific as shown by competition experiments with high levels of GZ, hemocyanin, and ferritin. Since there is no maternal antibody transfer in pigs, and since the piglets were kept free of antigens and of antibody present in the colostrum, it appears from these findings that cells arise spontaneously before antigen contact that are capable of binding antigen. A proportion of the cells has been shown to bind more than one antigen; this binding is noncompetitive, and therefore suggests that the cells bear more than one specificity of receptor.