Margination vs. Decreased Expression

From: José A. Stoute (jstoute@kisian.mimcom.net)
Date: Tue Feb 12 2002 - 03:20:40 EST


Dear colleagues, I would like some ideas on how to differentiate between
two situations by flow cytometry, decreased expression of an antigen due
to margination of high expressors or due to downregulation.

Here is the scenario. Approximately 80-90% of monocytes expressed marker
X normally. However with disease this may decrease to 60-70%. Since
there is a population of negative cells already, the proportion of these
cells will increase if there is margination or sequestration of high
expressors or if there is downregulation  leading to an increase in the
number of negative cells.

How do I distinguish between these two possibilities?

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jose

--
José A. Stoute, MD
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USAMRU-Kenya
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e-mail: jstoute@kisian.mimcom.net
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