ISSN:
1365-3083
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
To shed further light on the induction and characterization of thymus-derived mast cells, we cultured a variety of cell populations from murine thymus tissues (Balb/e) in the presence or absence of interleukin 3 (IL-3). The whole cell population and the nun-adherent T cell-depleted population developed mast cells. The morphological studies revealed granulated cells: the granules were stained with toluidine blue, alcian blue (pH 3.0). and metachromatic dyes. Electron microscope revealed altered mast cell granules. These cells contained relatively low amounts of histamine (- 1700 ng/106 cells), were IL.-3 (but not IL-2)-dependent, and did not possess T-cell. B-cell. or macrophage markers. No phagocytosis was observed. the cells also had 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and both IL-3 and IgE (145,600/cell) high affinity receptors. The frequency analysis showed 17 precursor cells per 106 thymic cells. The results indicate that the thymus indeed contains progenitors of mast cells responsive to IL-3, and that the mast cells are derived from non-T. non-phagocytic. and non-adherent cells of the thymus. Their T-lymphocyte product (IL.-3) dependency, ultrastructural appearance, granular stainability, and low content of histamine may support the view that the mast cells originating from the thymus probably belong to a mucosal must cell lineage.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3083.1986.tb02066.x
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