Genetically determined variation of constitutive major histocompatibility complex class II antigen expression in various rat strains and cell types

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Immunohistochemical and immune electron microscopy studies of the occurrence of dendritic cells in the pancreas of the rat

Dendritic cells, first described by STEINMAN and COHN in the mouse spleen and now called lymphoid dendritic cells (LDC), were investigated in the rat pancreas with the monoclonal antibodies 29AI-L. T. and MRC-OX17, which both recognize the la-antigen immunohistochemically and immune electron microscopically. la-positive cells with a dendritic morphology were found in the connective tissue of the cxocrine and endocrine pancreas. Immune e1ectron microscopically, the Ia-antibodies were 10- calized on the cell surface and in sm all vesicles. A small portion of the la-positive cells showed additional acid phosphatase positivity, i. e. were la-positive macrophages. The other la-positive cells were probably LDC, which may be important in the elimination of foreign antigens, e. g. bacteria and vIruses

Follicular dendritic cells in lymph nodes after x-irradiation.

Follicular dendritic cells (FDC), non lymphoid cells present in lymph follicles, are characterized by numerous cytoplasmic processes retaining antigen-antibody complexes. Their origin, nature and function are unknown. Mice inguinal lymph nodes after 4.5 or 7.5 Gy X-irradiation were depleted of lymphoid cells. Ultrastructural observations during the first few days post-irradiation show that FDC are unaltered and possess dendritic processes enveloping dense material. Furthermore, they show intense metabolic activity. A lamina densa, never observed so well-developed in other lymph node cells, was detected around the nuclear envelope. The localization of junctions between FDC was analysed. FDC preserve their typical cytoplasmic processes even if lymphoid cells are rare. The latter thus seem not to be responsible for the maintenance of FDC integrity or their development. The possible role of this for antibody production is discussed. Irradiated lymph nodes of lymphoid cells are highly convenient for studying FDC. Isolation of FDC from irradiated lymph organs would seem to be possible