Small lymphocyte production and lymphoid cell proliferation in mouse bone marrow

Summary In mice given³H-thymidine systemically during temporary circulatory occlusion of one hind limb, comparison of the labeling of rapidly-renewing small lymphocytes in the tibial marrows demonstrated that these cells were locally produced. Labeling by³H-thymidine infusion revealed that many marrow large lymphoid cells, presumptive small lymphocyte progenitors, had a marked proliferative activity and rapid turnover which varied according to cell size, was maximal in young mice and declined with increasing age.This work was supported by a grant from the Medical Research Council of Canada. The technical assistance of Mrs E. D. Watson is acknowledged.