ISSN:
1439-0264
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
During the critical early postnatal period, the development of lymphatic organs, being the major structural components of the immune system, progresses rapidly. In this context, the growth kinetics and growth rates of Peyer's patches, tonsilla veli palatini, lymphnodes (lc. mesentericum craniale and lc. bronchale), spleen and thymus were investigated in German landrace piglets from birth until 2 weeks of age. The weight of all these organs increased faster than body weight but regression analysis revealed remarkable differences in growth kinetics and growth rates. The lymphoepithelial organs (Peyer's patches, tonsilla veli palatini) had low growth rates at birth (∼10%/day) that increased continuously until 2 weeks, while lymphnodes and spleen exhibited constant high growth rates (∼40%/day). Small intestinal lymphnodes alone showed biphasic growth kinetics which could be attributed to colostrum absorption. The growth kinetics of the thymus included a point of inflexion at the end of the first week. The differences in growth kinetics and growth rates are discussed with regard to their immunobiological relevance.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0264.2003.00487.x
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