ISSN:
1432-0878
Keywords:
Spleen (Rat)
;
Periarteriolar lymphocytic sheath
;
Mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS)
;
Thymectomy
;
Ultrastructure
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Light- and electron microscopic studies reveal that the peri-arteriolar lymphocytic sheath of the rat spleen can be divided into two areas. The central area contains small lymphocytes, interdigitating cells (IDC, light staining cells with extensive cytoplasmic interdigitations) and some scattered reticulum cells. The peripheral area contains a mixed population of lymphocytes and circumferentially oriented reticulum cells. It is shown that only the central area of the peri-arteriolar lymphocytic sheath is thymus-dependent. In neonatally thymectomized rats, before interdigitating cells appear, monocytes and promonocytes reside in this area. It is suggested that the IDC are part of the mononuclear phagocyte system (Langevoort et al., 1970). They probably form the micro-environment necessary for the differentiation and proliferation of T-cells. The analogies between IDC, epithelioid cells and the macrophages in the migration inhibition test are discussed. The hypothesis is put forward that these cells are similar in ultrastructural and functional aspects because all three are macrophages under the influence of humoral factors from T-cells, such as migration inhibition factor.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00224586
