The effect of neuraminidase on the fate of transfused lymphocytes.

Evidence has been obtained that incubation of rat lymphocytes with neuraminidase, prior to intravenous transfusion into allogeneic or syngeneic recipients, alters the distribution of the cells. Many enzyme-treated lymphocytes initially become trapped in the liver, and there is a decrease in the selective accumulation of these cells in the lymph nodes and spleen. Subsequently, many enzyme-altered cells emigrate from the liver, concentrate in lymph nodes, and recirculate to the lymph. The results suggest that sialic acid constituents of the lymphocyte surface play a critical role in ensuring the normal distribution of these cells in the body. The findings also imply that reactions involving surface sialic acid can markedly alter the fate of lymphocytes without "killing" the cells.