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The development of the human lymph node

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Summary

Lymph nodes of human fetuses from the 11th to the 20th gestational week (g.w.) were investigated by light- and electron microscopy under particular consideration of the development of the T-cell and the B-cell regions and their specific reticulum cells. Lymph node development begins as a mesenchymal condensation, containing capillaries and mesenchymal cells; this primordium bulges into a lymph sac. Within the primordium of the lymph node granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis occur temporarily from the 12th to the 14th g.w. The first lymphoid cells and undifferentiated blast cells are seen in the 12th g.w.; monocytes and macrophages can be found from the 13th g.w. onward.

The development of the T-cell regions begins during the 13th g.w., before differentiation into cortex and medulla becomes obvious in the 14th g.w. Near the marginal sinus, cells displaying features of interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC) show similarities to monocytes. The morphological differentiation of the IDC is complete in the 17th g.w. when they are found in the paracortical region. Among the IDC, lymphoid cells with features of thymocytes are arranged in small groups.

The first indication of the development of B-cell regions can be recognized in the 14th g.w. when precursors of dendritic reticulum cells (DRC) are seen near the marginal sinus; this area also displays lymphoblasts, immunoblasts, and plasmoblasts. During the 20th g.w. small primary follicles are discernible in the outer cortex; in addition to blast cells they contain small lymphocytes, none of which show features of thymocytes. The morphological development of DRCs is not entirely complete until the 20th g.w.; however, some cells already show a characteristic network of interwoven processes.

The probable origin of (i) the IDC from monocytes, and (ii) the DRC and fibroblastic reticulum cells from a common type of mesenchymal precursor cells, as well as their significance for a specific micromilieu in the T-cell and the B-cell regions, are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Anatomisches Institut der Universität und Abteilung Allgemeine Pathologie und Pathologische Anatomie, Klinikum der Universität Kiel, Kiel, Bundesrepublik Deutschland

    Rainer Markgraf,  Brita von Gaudecker & Hans Konrad Müller-Hermelink

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  1. Rainer Markgraf
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  2. Brita von Gaudecker
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This investigation was supported by grants from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Sonderforschungsbereich 111 of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

The authors appreciate the contribution of human fetal material from Dr. J. von Hollweg and Dr. J. Körner, Hospital Heidberg, Hamburg, and the excellent technical assistance of Mrs. O.M. Bracker, Mrs. H. Hansen, Mrs. R. Köpke, Mrs. I. Knauer, Mrs. F. Müller, Mrs. H. Siebke, and Mrs. H. Waluk

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Markgraf, R., von Gaudecker, B. & Müller-Hermelink, H.K. The development of the human lymph node. Cell Tissue Res. 225, 387–413 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00214691

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