Immunohistochemical analysis of the rat central nervous system during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, with special reference to Ia-positive cells with dendritic morphology

The rat central nervous system (CNS) during experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was analyzed immunohistochemically from the preclinical to recovery stage by using monoclonal antibodies specific for rat T lymphocyte subsets and Ia antigen. Through combination of the avidin-biotin technique and carefully selected fixative, cells with dendritic morphology (DC) and infiltrating mononuclear cells were clearly and intensely demonstrated in the CNS parenchyma during EAE. In normal and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-injected controls, there were no inflammatory foci. Ia (OX3)-positive parenchymal cells were not detected, whereas W3/25 stained DC that were located mainly in the white matter and W3/13 stained axons. At the preclinical stage, 11 days after CNS/CFA sensitization, a few clusters of Ia+ DC were detected in some sections of the spinal cord. The number of Ia+ DC increased as clinical signs developed (P less than 0.001). In rats with a clinical score of 1 or 2, Ia+ DC were mainly located in the perivascular region and closely associated with infiltrating T lymphocytes. However, at moribund state (score 3), Ia+ DC were evenly distributed in gray and white matter on almost all sections of the spinal cord. In recovered rats, the numbers of inflammatory foci and Ia+ DC were less than those in clinical EAE rats (P less than 0.001). Rats without clinical signs throughout the course also contained a few clusters of Ia+ DC. Double immunofluorescent staining with OX3 and anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antiserum demonstrated that Ia+ DC were negative for GFAP. Their morphology and distribution were similar to those of nucleoside diphosphatase-positive cells, suggesting that Ia+ DC are microglia. In contrast to DC, no astrocytes or endothelial cells express detectable levels of Ia antigen in control and clinical EAE rats. These findings suggest that brain cells other than Ia+ DC may not be involved in the local immune interaction. Ia+ DC may play a significant role in antigen presentation in the CNS with EAE.     

Langerhans cells and T lymphocyte subsets in the murine vagina and cervix

Immunization in the vagina can lead to the production of specific antibodies in the luminal fluid of this organ. To help understand the immune mechanisms involved in this process, we have studied the occurrence of Langerhans cells (LCs), macrophages, natural killer cells, and T and B lymphocytes in the murine vagina and cervix during the estrous cycle. LCs in the epithelia expressed Ia, F4/80, NLDC-145, and CD45, but not Mac-1, Moma-1, and Moma-2; double-labeling demonstrated phenotypic heterogeneity in this population Ia+, NLDC-145+; Ia+, NLDC-145-; Ia+, F4/80+; Ia+, F4/80-; Ia- F4/80+. T lymphocytes of both helper and cytotoxic/suppressor types were also present in the epithelia, sometimes in close association with LCs, but natural killer cells were not observed. The stroma of the vagina and cervix contained LCs (or interdigitating cells) and macrophages but few T lymphocytes and no B lymphocytes, natural killer cells, or lymphoid nodules. These observations confirm and extend previous reports that the murine vagina and cervix contain epithelial LCs and T lymphocytes and support the suggestion that antigens in the vagina and cervix, as in the epidermis, may be recognized and presented to the immune system by epithelial LCs. However, the paucity of T cells and the absence of B cells and lymphoid nodules from the stroma suggest that antigen presentation may not occur locally but at another site such as in the draining lymph nodes.     

T cell-mediated cytotoxicity induced by Listeria monocytogenes. III. Phenotypic characteristics of mediator T cells

Cytotoxic thymus-derived lymphocytes (CTL) generated in vitro by restimulating rat cells with Listeria antigen- (LMA) pulsed syngeneic accessory cells were characterized in respect to their surface membrane markers. LM-dependent CTL were devoid of detectable surface immunoglobulin (Ig) and receptors for the Fc region of rabbit IgG. Experiments with monoclonal antibodies to rat T cell markers revealed that these cytotoxic cells have the phenotypic profile W3/13+, W3/25-, MRC OX 8+. LM-dependent CTL also bind the monoclonal antibody, MRC OX 3, which recognizes an Ia-antigen-like determinant on rat cells. Although LM-dependent CTL lack the W3/25 marker, their generation depends on the cooperative interplay of W3/25+ and W3/25- T cells.     

Natural killer cell number and function in the spontaneously diabetic BB/W rat

The BB/W rat provides a good model of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes. Diabetes-prone (DP) rats have a virtual lack of OX 8+ OX 19+ T cytotoxic/suppressor cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and spleen, suggesting that the OX 8+ OX 9- natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant cytotoxic cell in this animal. In this study, we have shown that rat NK cells belong to the OX 8+ OX 19- asialo GM1 bright population, and that rat NK cell function may be depleted in vivo by administration of OX 8 antibody. Furthermore, evidence is provided to indicate that NK cell number and activity are enhanced on a per cell basis in DP rats as compared to the diabetes-resistant W line rat. DP rats had about threefold more NK cells than did W-line rats. The cytotoxic activity mediated by spleen and PBL against the YAC-1 target generally correlated with the relative number of cells having the OX 8+ OX 19- phenotype. DP lymphocytes mediated low levels of cytolytic activity against the relatively resistant NK target cell K562. To more directly compare the activity of W-line and DP NK cells, spleen NK cells were isolated by flow sorting of the OX 8+ OX 19- population. At a 5:1 E:T ratio, DP OX 8+ OX 19- cells elicited 21% +/- 3 specific lysis and W-line cells elicited 7% +/- 2 specific lysis. To determine whether the elevated levels of NK cells and NK cell activity in DP rats were a consequence of NK cell proliferation, spleen cells were size-separated by centrifugal elutriation. The NK cell activity was predominantly mediated by small to medium-size lymphocytes and not blast-size enriched populations. Moreover, when the DNA content of splenic OX 8+ cells was measured, 98% of the cells were in the G0-G1 phase of the cell cycle. These data indicate that NK cell number and activity are elevated in DP rats, and support a role for NK cells in the pathogenesis of BB/W diabetes.     

Phytohemagglutinin-lnduced acquisition of T-cell surface markers by rat bone marrow precursor cells in the absence of the thymic microenvironment

Two monoclonal antibodies specific for different rat T-cell subpopulations, the anti-helper-T-cell antibody, W3/25, and the OX8 suppressor cell antibody were used to investigate lectin-stimulated T-lymphocyte differentiation of F-344 rat bone marrow cells in culture. Cytofluorometric analysis of freshly isolated lymphocytes from thymus and spleen revealed that these tissues contained both W3/25? and OX8-positive populations but differed with respect to the number of cells and receptor density distribution. By contrast, bone marrow-derived lymphocytes exhibited negligible W3/25? or OX8-associated fluorescence. However, several days after stimulation of bone marrow lymphocytes with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), cells appeared bearing these markers. Two-parameter histogram analysis of light scatter measurements with cell surface immunoflu-orescence indicated that this phenomenon represented the appearance of a new population of cells, presumably mature T cells, bearing an increased density of marker. These findings suggest an induction of differentiation of bone marrow T precursor cells by nonthymic factors (PHA) since lymphocytes lacking mature T-cell marker expression developed this characteristic after several days in culture.     

The immune response to Schistosoma mansoni infections in inbred rats. VI. Regulation by T cell subpopulations

These studies assess the roles of subpopulations of T lymphocytes in inducing and modulating resistance to Schistosoma mansoni. CDF rats were depleted of RT 7.1+ (anti-Pan-T), W3/25+ (anti-T helper/inducer), or OX8+ (anti-T suppressor) cells by the in vivo administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAb). The development of parasites and immunity to challenge by S. mansoni were compared with results in undepleted normal and congenitally athymic rats. Discrete subpopulations of T lymphocytes were adoptively transferred to ascertain effects upon parasite development and the protective immune response. In vitro studies, involving utilizing cocultivation of cell subpopulations +/- cyclosporin A, were utilized to dissect mechanisms. Depletion of T lymphocytes by anti-RT7.1 mAb and anti-W3/25 mAb resulted in augmented initial worm development, suboptimal resistance, and decreased antibody and delayed-type hypersensitive reactivity directed against schistosome antigens. Depletion with OX8 mAb produced opposite effects. The adoptive transfer of T cell subpopulations produced concordant results with T cell regulation expressed B cell-dependent effector mechanisms. The coadoptive transfer of cells resulted in the suppression of resistance afforded by the W3/25+ cells by OX8+ cells, which could be augmented in vitro by cyclosporin A. Thus, protective immunity to S. mansoni in rats is regulated by discrete subpopulations of T lymphocytes. The findings suggest the possibility of selective immune regulation of resistance based on the manipulation of specific T cell subpopulation.     

Altered levels of mononuclear leukocytes in tumor-bearing rats: decrease of helper T lymphocytes and increase of suppressor cells

In the spleen and peripheral blood of BN rats with progressive tumors, W3/25+ T helper cells were significantly reduced and OX8+ T suppressor/cytotoxic cells were significantly increased. The ratio of helper to suppressor elements was decreased to 1.6 from a ratio of 3 in normal BN rats without tumors, and this decreased ratio correlated with tumor growth. When tumors were eliminated in vivo by infusion of effector cells (W3/25+ T lymphocytes), the levels of W3/25+ and OX8+ T cells returned to normal and the ratio of helper to suppressor/cytotoxic cells in the spleen and peripheral blood reverted to 3.0 or higher. Macrophages and null cells, T-sIg-, were also elevated in the spleen and peripheral blood of rats bearing expanding tumors and returned to normal levels after cure. Assays of spleen cells for cell-mediated cytotoxicity in rats with large tumors revealed little or no specific cytotoxicity. Cytotoxic activity was high in spleen of rats cured of their neoplasms by infusion of helper cells.     

Detection of HLA-DRw (Ia-like) antigens on human T lymphocytes grown in tissue culture.

Human T lymphocytes that proliferate in the presence of conditioned medium from PHA-stimulated allogeneic peripheral blood cells were shown to express IPA antigens after the 8th culture day. Ia antigens as detected by xenogeneic antisera were present on 80 to 90% of the cultured cells which were also strongly reactive with xenogeneic antisera defining a human T cell antigen and formed E rosettes. Control cultures with PHA or no conditioned medium expressed T cell but not Ia antigens. These cultured T cells also express the same HLA-DRw determinants as the B cells of the donor they were derived from. Absorption of xenogeneic Ia, and HLA-DRw alloantisera with cultured T cells completely removed the reactivity of these sera for enriched peripheral blood B lymphocytes from normal donors.     

Characterization of recirculating lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis patients: selective deficiency of natural killer cells in thoracic duct lymph

Five patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who were treated by lymphocyte depletion by using thoracic duct drainage (TDD), provided an opportunity to characterize the phenotype and function of their recirculating lymphocytes. We found that: a) thoracic duct lymphocytes (TDL) were similar in their proportion of T cells (83% +/- 6 OKT3+), OKT4+ subset (65% +/- 8), and OKT8+ subset (22% +/- 6) to peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL): b) fewer natural killer-like cells were present in TDL (5% +/- 4 Leu-7+; 2% +/- 2 Leu-11+: 8% +/- 2 OKM -1+) than in PBL (20% +/- 10 Leu-7+: 11% +/- 6 Leu-11+; 18% +/- 5 OKM -1) (p less than 0.01); c) TDL differed from synovial fluid lymphocytes ( SFL ) and synovial membrane lymphocytes ( SML ) in that TDL lacked a high percentage of activated lymphocytes (T cells bearing Ia antigen, OKT10 , and transferrin receptor): d) immature T cells (expressing either OKT6 antigen or reactive with peanut agglutinin) were not found in TDL even late in the course of TDD: and e) in vitro functional studies demonstrated that TDL were similar to PBL in their ability to synthesize immunoglobulin after mitogen stimulation and to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes capable of lysing autologous EBV-transformed B cells. However, natural killer activity, as measured by lysis of K562 cells was significantly lower in TDL than PBL (p less than 0.05). These results demonstrate that natural killer cells defined by phenotype and function are excluded from thoracic duct lymph and thus have a circulation pattern different from most T cells.     

Transformation of T-lymphocyte subsets by Marek''s disease herpesvirus.

Marek's disease herpesvirus (MDV)-transformed lymphoblastoid tumor cell lines were characterized for the presence of the surface markers. Monoclonal antibodies were used for CD3 (T-cell receptor [TCR] complex), TCR1, TCR2, and TCR3, CD4, CD8, and Ia antigen by indirect fluorescence staining followed by microscopic examination or flow cytometry. The lymphoblastoid cell lines were obtained from tumors from chickens infected with MDV (n = 44) or from local lesions induced by inoculation of allogeneic, MDV-infected chick kidney cells (n = 56). Lymphocytes were harvested from these lesions between 4 and 16 days postinoculation and cultured in vitro to establish cell lines. All cell lines expressed Ia antigen and CD3 and/or TCR and thus are activated T cells. Most of the cell lines developed from tumors were CD4+ CD8-; only one cell line was negative for both markers. Sixteen percent of the cell lines were TCR3+, while the remainder were TCR2+. The cell lines developed from local lesions were much more heterogeneous: 45% were CD4- CD8+, 34% were CD4- CD8-, and only 21% were CD4+ CD8-. The number of TCR3+ cell lines was larger than expected for the CD4- CD8+ and CD4- CD8- cell lines, as judged from the presence of these cells in the blood. These results indicate that several subsets of T lymphocytes can be transformed by MDV, depending on the pathogenesis of infection. Activation of T cells as a consequence of the normal pathogenesis or by allogeneic stimulation seem to be a first important step in the process of transformation.     

Selective induction of OX19+ (CD5+) or OX19- (CD5-) alloreactive cytolytic lymphocytes in the rat

The phenotypes of alloselective cytolytic lymphocytes of the rat are defined by staining of peritoneal cells of alloimmunized donors with monoclonal antibodies, sorting in a cytofluorometer and evaluating cytolytic capacity in a 51Cr-release assay. We demonstrate that alloimmunization of BN rats can result in either OX19+ (CD5+) or OX19- (CD5-) cytolytic alloselective lymphocytes and show that the OX19- (CD5-) cytolytic cells are OX34+ W3/25- (CD4-) OX8+ (CD8+) lymphocytes not exposing surface Ig. It is further demonstrated that the appearance of CD5+ and CD5- cytolytic alloselective lymphocytes are mutually exclusive; immunization with (WF X BN) F1 cells leading exclusively to appearance of OX19+ effector cells while immunization with WF cells leads to OX19- effector cells. Alloimmunization of WF rats only results in appearance of OX19+ cytolytic lymphocytes.     

The membrane phenotype of in vivo induced tumor selective cytolytic lymphocytes of the rat: a distinction from NK cells

The phenotype of tumor selective cytolytic lymphocytes of the rat is defined by staining of peritoneal cells of tumor-immunized donors with the monoclonal antibodies OX19, OX8, and W3/25, sorting in a cytofluorometer and evaluating cytolytic capacity in a 51Cr release assay. It is shown that the tumor selective cytolytic lymphocytes bear the OX19 and OX8 markers but are lacking the W3/25 marker. It is also shown that the OX19+ lymphocytes do not contain any NK-like activity. The OX19 marker can therefore distinguish cells that execute selective cytolysis from cells with NK-like activities.     

Clonal analysis and in situ characterization of lymphocytes infiltrating human breast carcinomas

Summary T lymphocytes were isolated from tumor biopsies in 13 patients with breast carcinomas. Immunohistology with monoclonal antibodies confirmed the presence of mononuclear cell infiltrates composed primarily of T lymphocytes in all tumors studied. While the proportion of T lymphocytes expressing the T4 or the T8 surface marker varied from tumor to tumor as determined by morphometric analysis, T8+ cells were more numerous than T4+ cells in 8/12 breast tumors studied. Relatively few T cells (<10% in 11/12 tumors) were in an activated state as judged by the surface expression of HLA-DR antigens or the receptor for interleukin-2 (IL-2). In 1 case 20% of the infiltrating mononuclear cells were expressing the IL-2 receptor. The tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) recovered from 10 tumors were cloned in a microculture system that permits proliferation of nearly 100% of normal peripheral blood T lymphocytes (PBL-T). In contrast to normal and autologous PBL-T, frequencies of proliferating T lymphocyte precursors (PTL-P) were depressed (<0.01) in 7/10 TIL preparations indicating a decreased responsiveness of TIL to phytohemagglutinin at the single-cell level. The frequency of PTL-P was noticeably higher in 2 cases (0.03 and 0.09) and close to normal in 1 case (0.39).A total of 170 clones were expanded in vitro and analyzed for different functional capabilities. Most of these clones expressed the T4+/T8-phenotype (73%) and strikingly 53% of these T4+/T8– clones were cytolytic in a lectin-dependent assay, a functional subset which is uncommon among normal PBL-T. Some clones (10%) lysed allogeneic breast tumor cells (MCF7). Only 15% of the clones displayed natural killer activity. Among the cytolytic clones, 17 of 31 tested were also IL-2 producers irrespective of the T4 or T8 phenotype. Our results show that human mammary carcinomas contain many infiltrating T cells with cytolytic potential. Interestingly, among the proliferating cytolytic T cell clones (56% of the microcultures), many expressed the T4+/T8– phenotype. These findings may indicate that the in situ cytolytic reaction (against unknown antigens) is associated preferentially with class II antigens.Fogarty International Fellow of NIH, 1984–1985; on leave from Dept of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa, USA     

Increased incidence of Ia antigen-bearing T lymphocytes in the spontaneously diabetic BB rat

The frequency of Ia-positive T lymphocytes in spontaneously diabetic BB rats was assessed by using monoclonal antibodies and a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. These cells peaked in frequency during the early stages of hyperglycemia, with a gradual decline toward normal as the disease progressed. Significantly increased numbers of Ia-positive T cells were detected in both helper (W3/25+) and cytotoxic-suppressor (OX8+) subsets. The elevated levels of Ia-positive T lymphocytes in these rats may be relevant to the immune destruction of their beta cells.     

肥厚性扁平苔藓皮损中浸润淋巴细胞的研究

目的探讨淋巴细胞浸润在肥厚性扁平苔藓发病机制中的意义。方法采用免疫组织化学SP法对10例肥厚性扁平苔藓患者皮损、20例非肥厚性扁平苔藓患者皮损及10例正常人皮肤中CD3、CD4、CD8、CD20进行检测。结果所有患者皮损均以CD3^＋’T、CD4^＋T、CD8^＋T细胞浸润为主,散在CD20^＋B细胞浸润。肥厚性皮损中浸润T淋巴细胞数少于非肥厚性皮损（P〈0．01）,CD20^＋B细胞占浸润淋巴细胞百分率高于非肥厚性皮损（P〈0．05）。正常人皮肤仅在真皮偶见CD3^＋T细胞。结论肥厚性扁平苔藓皮损T淋巴细胞的减少,B淋巴细胞的增多表达可能与疾病的持续存在及局部过度增殖性改变密切相关。     

Vascular-associated lymphoid tissue in swine (Sus scrofa)

Focal accumulations of mononuclear cells in the arterial wall of healthy humans at predilection sites for atherosclerotic lesions have been described as 'vascular-associated lymphoid tissue' (VALT). Here we investigated whether pigs (Sus scrofa), a commonly used animal model for studying cardiovascular disease, have VALT. Samples of major arteries were collected from 10 conventional crossbred pigs (age, 2 to 24 mo) and processed for routine light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Single or small aggregates of mononuclear cells were noted in the intima and occasionally the inner portion of the tunica media and adventitia at branching sites. The infiltrating cells were primarily CD3+CD4+ T cells, with some macrophages. No CD8+ T cells were present. Infiltrating leukocytes and overlying endothelial cells frequently expressed major histocompatibility class II molecules. Two Ossabaw pigs on low-fat diet had similar leukocytic aggregates at locations where animals of the same breed but fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet developed atherosclerotic lesions. Further, the densities of CD3+ T lymphocytes and in these areas were decreased in 2 sedentary and 2 exercised Ossabaw pigs on an atherogenic diet compared with conventional crossbred and Ossabaw pigs on a normal diet. This study shows that focal aggregates of lymphocytes occur in the vasculature of pigs at locations predisposed to development of atherosclerotic lesions. These cellular aggregates are similar to the structures described as VALT in human arteries and reinforce the value of the pig as a model for the study of human cardiovascular disease.     

Analysis of human bone marrow with monoclonal antibodies

In order to study the antigenic phenotype of different hemopoietic cells, we used a series of monoclonal antibodies to investigate normal bone marrow in a standard immunofluorescence assay. The antibodies detected the following antigens: HLA-ABC, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), HLA-DR (Ia), a lymphocyte subset and specific antigen (T and B) HuLy-m2, m3, T lymphocyte antigen (HuLy-m1), lymphocyte T200 antigen (HuLy-m4), a viral-associated antigen (HuLy-m5), and platelet-specific glycoproteins IIb-IIIa (HuPl-m1). The following results were obtained: (a) normoblasts were weakly HLA-ABC+, beta 2m+ and Ia-; all other lymphocyte and platelet antigens were not detected. (b) Myeloid cells at all stages of differentiation (promyelocytes, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and neutrophils) were HLA-ABC+; beta 2m+; HuLy-m1-, m2-, m3+/- (20%), m4+, m5+/- (20%); HuPl-m1-; in addition, promyelocytes and myelocytes were Ia+ but neutrophils and metamyelocytes were Ia-. (c) Lymphocytes were HLA-ABC+, beta 2m+, Ia+/- (20-30%), HuLy-m1+/- (40-50%), m2+/- (60-70%), m3+, m4+, m5+; Pl-m1-. (d) Platelets and megakaryocytes were HLA-ABC+; beta 2m+; Ia-; HuLy-m1+-, m2-, m3-, m4-, m5-, HuPl-m1+, and the putative "megakaryocyte precursors" were HuPl-m1+, Ia-, HuLy-m1-. The different cell types in bone marrow could readily be distinguished, particularly cells of the myeloid series (Ia and HuLy-m4, m5), lymphocytes (Ia and HuLy-m1, m2, m3), and platelets and their precursor cells (HuPl-m1). This simple method of defining cellular phenotypes in bone marrow has demonstrated the practicality of using monoclonal antibodies to identify marrow cells and should be of diagnostic value.     

Stimulation and inhibition of human T cell subsets by wheat germ agglutinin

Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a tetravalent lectin, has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on human T lymphocytes. It has been suggested that these actions are related and that WGA selectively stimulates a suppressive subset of T cells. We studied the ability of WGA to stimulate and inhibit subpopulations of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) known to have helper or suppressor activity. Fresh human PBMC were depleted of either T4+ or T8+ cells by using antibody-mediated complement lysis. The resultant cell populations were stimulated with WGA, and the proliferative response was assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, IL 2 receptor expression, the ability to elaborate IL 2 in culture supernatants, and the susceptibility to inhibition by the monoclonal antibody anti-Tac. Similar experiments with cells from a WGA-responsive continuous T cell culture were also performed. WGA inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced proliferation of PBMC depleted of either T4+ or T8+ cells. WGA also inhibited PBMC that had been depleted of adherent cells and Ia+ cells and then induced to proliferate with a combination of TPA and PHA. Our findings indicate that WGA induces IL 2-dependent proliferation in a small proportion of both T4+ and T8+ lymphocytes. We also provide evidence that the inhibitory activity of WGA is not mediated by a T4+, T8+, or Ia+ cell, suggesting that WGA acts directly on the proliferating cell rather than selectively stimulating a suppressive subpopulation.     

An immunogold cell labelling method for rat T lymphocytes

A method using monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with an immunogold procedure was adapted for labelling T lymphocytes in blood samples obtained from male Wistar rats. The monoclonal antibodies W3/25, MRC/OX8 and W3/13 were used. Changes in the percentages of positively labelled cells were observed in rats dosed with the immunosuppressant cyclosporin.     

Lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) in the rat

Summary Lymphocyte and macrophage subpopulations and the stroma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in the nasal cavity of the rat were examined by application of immunohistochemical and enzyme histochemical methods to cryostat sections. Nasal-associated lymphoid tissue was composed of a loose reticular network with lymphocytes and macrophages, covered by epithelium. The epithelium was infiltrated with B cells, T helper (W3/13-positive) and T suppressor/cytotoxic or large granular cells (OX8-positive), ED1-positive macrophages and Ia-positive cells. The B cell areas were populated by B cells, immunopositive for surface IgM or IgG. B cells with surface IgA or IgE were rare. Germinal centres were found infrequently. T helper cells were scattered throughout the B cell area. A few ED1-positive macrophages and ED5-positive follicular dendritic cells were observed. Strong Ia staining (mostly of B cells) was found in this area. The T cell areas contained T helper and T suppressor/cytotoxic cells in about equal amounts, and numerous ED1-positive macrophages. ED1 staining was also found in the subepithelial area. Numerous ED1-, ED2- and ED3-positive macrophages were found in the border between the lymphoid mass and the surrounding connective tissue. A few non-lymphoid cells showed weak acid phosphatase or non-specific esterase activity. The morphological observations suggest that nasal-associated lymphoid tissue plays an important role in the first contact with inhaled antigens.