Expression of Bcl-2 in DP CD3⁻, immature (intermediate and TN), and SP CD4⁺ thymocytes and role of IL-7.

Cells were isolated as described in “Materials and methods.” Immunostaining of Bcl-2 was analyzed by flow cytometry at the time of isolation and after 4 days of incubation in the presence or absence of IL-7 (5 ng/mL). Percentage of labeled cells and MFI are indicated in each quadrant. The experiment presented here is representative of independent experiments carried out with thymuses from 2 (day 0 and day 4) to 3 (day 0) different donors. Dotted line indicates isotypic control; solid line, Bcl-2.