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Characterization of non-lymphoid cells in the white pulp of the mouse spleen: An in vivo and in vitro study

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Summary

Non-lymphoid cells (marginal metallophils, follicular immunecomplex-retaining cells, interdigitating cells), which are present in certain areas of the white pulp in the mouse spleen were characterized by means of (immuno)enzyme histochemical techniques, carbon uptake and experiments with lethal X-irradiation. Marginal metallophils are clearly present at the inner border of the marginal zone and show a very strong, E-600 sensitive, non-specific esterase (NSE) activity. Follicular immune-complex-retaining cells show a weak and diffuse NSE activity and no carbon uptake as shown by the combined application of an immunohistoperoxidase technique (for the demonstration of immune complexes), enzyme histochemistry (for NSE activity) and carbon uptake (for phagocytosis). Interdigitating cells show a distinct focus of NSE activity in the cytoplasm, weak carbon uptake and high radiation sensitivity. Demonstration of NSE activity is useful for the identification of the different non-lymphoid cells in the white pulp of the mouse spleen. It is suggested that the in vitro observed dendritic cells of Steinman and Cohn (1973) belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system, as “transitional cells” are encountered with cytological features of both dendritic cells and macrophages. These in vitro dendritic cells (or a portion of them) are probably similar to the interdigitating cells.

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Abbreviations

HRP:

horseradish peroxidase

IDC:

interdigitating cells

PALS:

periarteriolar lymphocytic sheath

NSE:

non-specific esterase

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  1. Department of Histology, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    P. Eikelenboom

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Eikelenboom, P. Characterization of non-lymphoid cells in the white pulp of the mouse spleen: An in vivo and in vitro study. Cell Tissue Res. 195, 445–460 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00233888

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