Abstract
The supporting meshwork of the thymus, which is composed of epithelial cells (epithelial-reticular cells), plays a major role in the generation of immunocompetent T lymphocytes. From the characterization and location of lymphocytes in the thymus it can be hypothesized that different microenvironments exist promoting different steps in intrathymic T cell maturation. Our findings on heterogeneity of human thymus epithelial cells synthesizing various thymosin components1 and heterogeneity in antigen expression revealed by monoclonal anti-epithelial cell antibodies (this issue, p 297) gives support to this hypothesis. Also in electron microscopy, variation in ultrastructural characteristics of epithelial cells has been noted.2,3 We studied the ultrastructural morphology of epithelial cells in sections of the human thymus to evaluate whether interrelationships exist between epithelial cell subtypes and between morphology and function in the microenvironment.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
H.J. Schuurman, F.P. van de Wijngaert, L. Delvoye, R. Broekhuizen, J.E. McClure, A.L. Goldstein, and L. Kater, Heterogeneity and age dependency of human thymus reticulo-epithelium in production of thymosin components, Thymus in press.
S. Arya, E.F. Gilbert, R. Hong, and J.M.B. Bloodworth Jr., The thymus, in: “Endocrine pathology,” J.M.B. Bloodworth, ed., Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, chapter 19 (1982).
J. Singh, The ultrastructure of epithelial reticular cells, in: “The thymus gland,” M.D. Kendall, ed., Academic Press, London, p. 133 (1981).
F.P. van de Wijngaert, L.H.P.M. Rademakers, H.-J. Schuurman, R. A. de Weger, and L. Kater, Identification and in situ localization of the “Thymic Nurse Cell” in man, J. Immunol 130: 2348 (1983).
F.P. van de Wijngaert, M.D. Kendall, H.-J. Schuurman, L.H.P.M. Rademakers, and L. Kater, Heterogeneity of epithelial cells in the human thymus. An ultrastructural study, Cell Tissue Res. 237: 227 (1984).
H. Wekerle, U.-W. Ketelsen, and M. Ernst, Thymic nurse cells. Lymphoepithelial cell complexes in murine thymuses: morphological and serological characterization. J. exp. Med. 151: 925 (1980).
M.A. Ritter, C.A. Sauvage, and S.F. Cotmore, The human thymus microenvironment: in vivo identification of thymic nurse cells and other antigenetically distinct subpopulations of epithelial cells, Immunology 44: 439 (1981).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1985 Plenum Press, New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kendall, M.D., van de Wijngaert, F.P., Schuurman, HJ., Rademakers, L.H.P.M., Kater, L. (1985). Heterogeneity of the Human Thymus Epithelial Microenvironment at the Ultrastructural Level. In: Klaus, G.G.B. (eds) Microenvironments in the Lymphoid System. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2463-8_35
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2463-8_35
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9495-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2463-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive