RAT LYMPHOCYTE SUBSET ANALYSIS USING THE TECHNICON H(ASTERISK)1

The ability of the Technicon H1 haematology analyser to quantify rat lymphocyte subsets using an immunoperoxidase staining technique was as sessed. The instrument was standardised and use for human lymphocyte s ubset analysis employing the standard reagent kit supplied by Technico n (now Bayer Diagnostics). Rat samples were then analysed using the sa me reagents, substituting the appropriate monoclonal antibodies agains t rat Pan B, Pan T, T4 and T8 lymphocytes. Poor separation of the lymp hocytes was encountered. Further substitutions of the standard reagent s were made, which included the use of rabbit antimouse IgG: biotin co njugate and streptavidin horseradish peroxidase (both non-cross-reacti ve with rat). No separation of lymphocyte subsets was achievable, desp ite additional steps to alter the software gain factors to accommodate analysis of rat blood.