Synthesis of surface H2 alloantigens in murine splenocytes

The synthesis and turnover of cell surface H 2 alloantigens were studied in murine splenocytes by the anti H 2 binding method to separate precursor labeled surface from intracellular molecules. Results indicate that newly synthesized H 2 antigen, labeled in either its peptide or carbohydrate portion enters a relatively small pool of intracellular H 2 antigen and is then rapidly transported to the plasma membrane which represents a larger compartment. The simplest interpretation of these findings is that H 2 antigen is synthesized and transported along a conventional secretory pathway. Pulse chase experiments indicate that H 2 antigens are not readily chased from the plasma membrane and are not shed or internalized during short term culture. The aforementioned observations are discussed in terms of a cellular heterogeneity.