Flow cytometric mapping of the leukotriene B4 receptor, BLT1, in human bone marrow and peripheral blood using specific monoclonal antibodies.

We have previously raised two monoclonal antibodies (7B1, 14F11) recognizing the high-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor, BLT1. They were presently used to determine receptor surface expression in the hematopoietic system. In peripheral blood, BLT1 was primarily recognized in granulocytes, monocytes and, to a lower extent, in certain lymphocytes except the CD4 subpopulation. The expression pattern was similar in bone marrow cells. In vitro differentiation of CD34+ progenitor cells induced BLT1 expression within 7 days, which remained constant up to day 17 when a further increase was measured and maintained up to day 20. BLT1 expression was modified by inflammatory mediators: LPS, TNFalpha, fMLP, as well as LTB4 itself, caused a slight down-regulation at 30 min, an effect that was particularly marked with PMA, whereas the effect was least pronounced with IL-8. The antibodies have proved to be useful in an extensive mapping of BLT1 in both peripheral blood and bone marrow and as a tool to elucidate changes in the receptor expression.