Detection of CD2 mRNA in HMC-1 cells.

Expression of CD2 mRNA in purified human lung MCs and HMC-1 cells was analyzed by Northern blot experiments using an oligonucleotide probe specific for CD2. Prior to RNA extraction, cells were cultured in the presence (SCF) or absence (control) of rhSCF, 100 ng/mL (37°C, 2 hours). Cells were then harvested and RNA prepared for Northern blotting. As visible, HMC-1 cells expressed CD2 mRNA in a constitutive manner, whereas primary lung MCs did not express detectable amounts of CD2 mRNA. SCF failed to induce expression of CD2 mRNA in lung MCs and did not modulate expression of CD2 mRNA in HMC-1 cells. The GAPDH control is also shown.