Characterization of peritoneal cell subpopulations in the peritoneal cavity of op/op^(−/−) mice.

<p>(A) The number of cells in the peritoneal cavity of op/op^(−/−) mice is significantly reduced when compared to the littermates. Peritoneal cells were collected from op/op^(−/−) mice and their normal littermates (op/op^(+/?)), and the cells were counted (p<0.01). (B) Percentage of B-1 cells, B-2 cells and macrophages in the peritoneal cavity of op/op^(−/−) mice and littermates (op/op^(+/?)). (C) Absolute number of B-1 cells (ns), B-2 cells (ns) and macrophages (Mφ - p<0.0001). Cell populations were determined by flow analysis based on the following surface marker expression: B-1 cells (CD23⁻CD19⁺CD11b⁺), Mφ (CD11b⁺F4/80⁺CD19⁻), and B-2 (CD23⁺CD19⁺CD11b⁻). Graphs are representative of two independent experiments using 6 mice per group per experiment.