人胸腺内交错突细胞的免疫组织化学研究

本文用免疫组织化学方法检测胎儿期,儿童以及成人胸腺内交错突细胞的分布和ＨＬＡＤＲ抗原的表达．结果表明：Ｓ－１００抗体能够清楚显示胸腺内交错突细胞,这些细胞主要分布在皮,髓质交界处和髓质内,在皮质内的交错突细胞大都单个存在,偶而看到交错突细胞成团存在．交错突细胞的周围,常见有淋巴细胞形成玫瑰花结．出生后随年龄的增长,交错突细胞逐渐减少。ＨＬＡ－ＤＲ抗体能与胸腺内多种细胞反应,如皮,髓质内上皮细胞,巨噬细胞和交错突细胞,但它们染色强度不等．交错突细胞ＨＬＡ－ＤＲ抗体的阳性反应位于质膜和突起部,染色强阳性,巨噬细胞反应不尽一致一般多为阳性,胞质内未见有吞噬淋巴细胞碎片．上皮细胞染色一般由弱阳性到阳性,核阴性,仅有质膜呈阳性反应,有关ＨＬＡ－ＤＲ抗原表达的可能意义进行了讨论．     

A scanning electron-microscopic study of the rat thymus with special reference to cell types and migration of lymphocytes into the general circulation

Summary The three-dimensional structure of the rat thymus was studied by combined scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The thymus consists mainly of four types of cells: epithelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and interdigitating cells (IDCs).The epithelial cells form a meshwork in the thymus parenchyma. Cortical epithelial cells are stellate in shape, while the medullary cells comprise two types: stellate and large vacuolated elements. A continuous single layer of epithelial cells separates the parenchyma from connective tissue formations of the capsule, septa and vessels. Surrounding the blood vessels, this epithelial sheath is continuous in the cortex, while it is partly interrupted in the medulla, suggesting that the blood-thymus barrier might function more completely in the cortex.Cortical lymphocytes are round and vary in size, whereas medullary lymphocytes are mainly small, although they vary considerably in surface morphology.Two types of large wandering cells, macrophages and IDCs, could be distinguished, as well as intermediate forms. IDCs sometimes embraced or contacted lymphocytes, suggesting their role in the differentiation of the latter cells.Perivascular channels were present around venules and some arterioles in the cortico-medullary region and in the medulla. A few lymphatic vessels were present in extended perivascular spaces.The present study suggests the possible existence of two routes of passage of lymphocytes into the general circulation. One is via the lymphatics, while the other is through the postcapillary venules into the blood circulation. Our SEM images give evidence that lymphocytes use an intracellular route, i.e., the endothelium of venules.     

An immunocytochemical survey of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of chicks at hatching

Summary The ultrastructure of the micro-environment of the fully functional rat thymus was studied. The thymus consists of two discrete compartments, viz., an epithelial and a mesenchymal compartment. Thymus fibroblasts/fibrocytes, mast cells and granulocytes, are restricted to the mesenchymal compartment. The thymocyte maturation process seems to occur in the epithelial compartment in a network of reticular epithelial cells. The cortex is finely meshed and filled with proliferating thymocytes and some scattered macrophages. Moreover, in the medulla vacuolated epithelial cells form part of a loosely meshed reticulum which is filled with thymocytes and interdigitating cells (IDCs). IDCs frequently contain Birbeck granules and appear to be phagocytic. Together with macrophages, they probably enter the thymus, predominantly in the cortico-medullary region, and cross the separating wall between the two compartments. Some functional aspects of the non-lymphoid cells and in particular the IDCs, which form the micro-environment of the thymus, are discussed with respect to T-cell development.     

Phagocytosis of erythrocytes in the subarachnoid space at spinal nerve exits

Summary Interdigitating cells (IDC) in the thymus of the spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor, were examined by electron microscopy. They occur principally in the thymic medulla and corticomedullary border. They possess an irregular nucleus and a perinuclear area of cytoplasm, containing most of the membranous organelles, surrounded by a peripheral electron-lucent zone. Clusters of smooth Golgi vesicles and complicated labyrinthine membrane-membrane contacts are the most characteristic cytological features. Birbeck granules are absent. Lymphocytes, plasma cells and even myoid cells can be found embedded in the cytoplasm. Immature elements, intermediate between epithelial-reticular cells and interdigitating cells, are tentatively identified as prointerdigitating cells. The functional significance of IDCs, and their phylogenetic significance in the vertebrate immune system, is discussed.     

S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase in parathyroid glands and C-cells of the thyroid

Normal parathyroid glands and parafollicular cells (C-cells) of man, rat and rabbit, and also human parathyroid adenomas and medullary carcinomas were investigated for the presence of S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). For determination of the proteins immunoperoxidase methods were applied, i.e., the PAP method and the avidin-biotin system. The antisera, of polyclonal origin, were specifically directed against cow S-100 protein and rat or bovine NSE. The respective antisera are known to crossreact with S-100 protein from man, rat, and rabbit, as well as with NSE from man and rat. Surprisingly, the test for S-100 protein was found to be strongly positive in the parathyroid glands of rat and rabbit and was focally positive in normal and adenomatous human parathyroid glands, but completely negative in C-cells and medullary carcinoma cells. NSE was present in C-cells of rat and man, and in medullary carcinoma cells, but was absent in normal and adenomatous parathyroid cells. The results support data that indicate that both parathyroid cells and C-cells are derived from elements of the neural crest, but undergo different maturation processes during embryological development.     

S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase in parathyroid glands and C-cells of the thyroid

Summary Normal parathyroid glands and parafollicular cells (C-cells) of man, rat and rabbit, and also human parathyroid adenomas and medullary carcinomas were investigated for the presence of S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). For determination of the proteins immuno-peroxidase methods were applied, i.e., the PAP method and the avidin-biotin system. The antisera, of polyclonal origin, were specifically directed against cow S-100 protein and rat or bovine NSE. The respective antisera are known to crossreact with S-100 protein from man, rat, and rabbit, as well as with NSE from man and rat. Surprisingly, the test for S-100 protein was found to be strongly positive in the parathyroid glands of rat and rabbit and was focally positive in normal and adenomatous human parathyroid glands, but completely negative in C-cells and medullary carcinoma cells. NSE was present in C-cells of rat and man, and in medullary carcinoma cells, but was absent in normal and adenomatous parathyroid cells. The results support data that indicate that both parathyroid cells and C-cells are derived from elements of the neural crest, but undergo different maturation processes during embryological development.     

S-100 immunoreactive interdigitating cells in normal and in Down's syndrome human thymuses.

The present research deals with the localization of the interdigitating cells (IDCs) in normal and in Down's human thymuses. Eight thymic biopsy samples of normal children from 16 months to 10 1/2 years and six samples of Down's children from 2 months to 6 1/2 years were stained by the indirect immuno-peroxidase method using an anti-S-100 protein serum. IDCs are localized in the medullary zones, always numerous in all the Down's thymuses and in an age-related decreasing number in normal thymuses. The interrelationships between the physiological and pathological role of IDCs in inducing self-tolerance and T-cell activation and the numerical distribution in normal and in Down's human thymuses are discussed.     

S-100-immunoreactive giant macrophages in lymphoid tissues of the guinea pig

Giant cells containing S-100 protein of the lymphoid tissues in the guinea pig were studied by immunohistochemistry using S-100 antiserum. S-100-immunoreactive giant cells were dendritic in shape, contained one or two irregular-shaped, euchromatic nuclei, phagosomes of various diameter, numerous mitochondria and microfilaments in the perikaryon, and extended cell processes free of cell organelles. These cells predominantly lined the superficial cortex facing the subcapsular sinus, were less numerously scattered in the medulla of lymph nodes and located at the marginal zone of the spleen. They also stained with S-100 alpha monoclonal antiserum and showed active phagocytosis for aldehyde-fixed red cells or colloidal carbon in the popliteal lymph node and spleen. S-100-immunoreactive giant cells also appeared in the corticomedullary zone of the thymus and in the interfollicular area of the Peyer's patches of the gut. Small sinus macrophages, which exhibited active phagocytosis for colloidal carbon but were less active for red cells in the popliteal lymph node and spleen, were not stained with S-100 antiserum. These findings indicate that S-100-immunoreactive giant cells of the lymph node and spleen are a subpopulation of macrophages different from S-100-negative cells of the small type.     

Immunoreactivity for S-100 protein in dendritic and in lymphocyte-like cells in human lymphoid tissues

S-100 protein is an immunohistochemical marker for a subset of dendritic cells, the interdigitating reticulum cells (IDRCs), which are mainly located in T-dependent areas of lymphoid tissues. In the present study we have investigated the distribution of S-100-positive cells in lymph nodes, spleen, thymus and peripheral blood of normal subjects. Immunoreactivity for S-100 protein was demonstrated in large cells with dendritic morphology and in small lymphocyte-like cells present in the lymph node paracortex, thymic medulla, splenic periarterial lymphatic sheaths (PALS) and in peripheral blood. S-100-positive lymphocyte-like cells were frequently detected around high endothelial venules (HEV) and were present in numbers comparable to those of S-100-positive IDRCs. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the existence of positive cells with lymphoid morphology and revealed that the intracellular distribution of the immunoreaction product was similar in lymphoid and dendritic cells. Further characterization of S-100-positive cells demonstrated that both lymphoid and dendritic cells were unreactive with a large panel of monocytic and macrophage markers.     

人胎脾交错突细胞对T,B淋巴细胞发育影响的免疫组织化学研究

用免疫酶单重和双重染色研究人胎儿脾连续切片中交错突细胞（ＩＤＣ）与Ｔ,Ｂ淋巴细胞的定位关系及ＨＬＡ－ＤＲ表达。结果表明,Ｓ－１００阳性树突状细胞为ＩＤＣ,多数表达ＨＬＡ－ＤＲ。９－１２周的胎脾中就可见到散在分布的ＩＤＣ。１３－１６周胎脾中ＩＤＣ开始定位于白髓的Ｔ细胞集落内和周缘,及Ｂ细胞集落的周边。在上述区域ＩＤＣ常与Ｔ细胞形成ＩＤＣ－Ｔ细胞聚合体。在脾的发育过程中,ＩＤＣ不仅与Ｔ,Ｂ淋巴细胞在分布上关系密切,而且可与这两类细胞形成突起－胞体、胞体－胞体的连接。提示,胎儿脾中ＩＤＣ与Ｔ,Ｂ细胞的迁移,定位及功能成熟过程有密切联系。     

Effect of patulin on the interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) of rat thymus

Patulin is a common fungal contaminant of ripe apples used for the production of apple juice concentrates and it is also present in other fruits, vegetables and food products. Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by species of the genera Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys. Patulin has been reported to be mutagenic, carcinogenic and teratogenic. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are of prime importance in the innate immune response; they capture antigen in tissues and then migrate to the lymphoid organs to present the antigen to T lymphocytes. Thus, they are crucial for the initiation of immunity. Interdigitating dendritic cells (IDCs) are a subset of APCs that are present at the lymphatic organs. In the thymus, they act in positive and negative selection during T cell development. In the present study, patulin was administered orally to growing male rats aged 5-6 weeks. A dose of 0.1 mg kg(-1) bw day(-1) was given to rats for a period of 60 or 90 days daily. The effect of patulin on the IDCs of thymus was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the results were evaluated in terms of cell destruction. In the rats of the control group, it was observed that the IDCs had an indented nucleus, a clear cytoplasm and numerous membrane extensions. In the cytoplasm, a well-developed golgi complex, mitochondria, granular endoplasmic reticulum and a small number of lysosomal structures were observed. At day 60 of patulin-treated rat groups (P-60), loss of cristae in mitochondria and chromatin margination and lysis in the nucleus were found. It was observed that the IDCs had a perinuclear area of cytoplasm surrounded by a peripheral electron-lucent zone. In the cytoplasm of the 90-day patulin-treated rat group (P-90), a peripheral electron-lucent zone was also found, similar to the P-60 group. Additionally increase in vesicular and lysosomal structures, increase in apoptotic bodies and condensation of chromatin in the nucleus were noted. It was observed that patulin leads to apoptotic body formation and cell apoptosis in the IDCs of rat thymus especially in the P-90-treated groups.     

Different distribution of S-100 protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive cells and their relations with nitrergic neurons in the human fetal small intestine.

The appearance, distribution and some histochemical features of non-neuronal cells (NN cells) associated with the myenteric plexus of human fetal small intestine have been studied by means of S-100 protein and GFAP immunocytochemistry between the 10th and 17th week of gestation. In addition, double labelling immunocytochemistry using an antibody raised against a constitutive isoform of nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) in combination with an S-100 protein antibody was applied to investigate the morphological relations between NN cells and nitrergic neurons in the developing gut wall. Cells with immunoreactivity for both glial-specific proteins are already present in the 10th week of gestation. While cells with S-100 protein immunoreactivity are located within the circular muscle layer as well as in the myenteric, and submucous plexuses, cells with GFAP immunopositivity are mainly restricted to the side of the myenteric plexus adjacent to the longitudinal muscle layer. In contrast to the dense network formed by S-100 protein immunopositive structures the GFAP immunopositive cells appear singly and do not connect into a network. Double-labelling immunocytochemistry reveals nitrergic fibers (NOS-IR) in close relation to the S-100 protein immunoreactive glial network. NOS-IR varicosities are in close association with the surface of those cells both in the circular muscle layer (CM) and in the tertiary plexus. It is concluded that two populations of NN cells with different locations and different immunohistochemical characters appear and develop together with the enteric ganglia in the human fetal intestine. The close morphological relation of NOS-IR fibers with S-100 protein immunopositive cellular network indicate a functional relationship between S-100 protein immunopositive cells and the nitrergic nerves during the early development of human enteric nervous system (ENS).     

Immunocytochemical localization of S-100 protein in astrocytes and Müller cells in the rabbit retina

Summary The localization of S-100 protein was studied in histological sections of retinae from adult rabbits. By use of double-immunolabeling techniques it was shown that most but not all radially oriented vimentin-positive Müller cells were co-labeled by an antiserum to S-100 protein. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes, which in the rabbit retina are restricted to the medullary rays formed by myelinated optic nerve fibers, consistently showed S-100 protein immunoreactivity. The present report shows that, with respect to S-100 protein staining, Müller cells represent a heterogeneous population of glial elements.     

Immunostaining of a cell type in the islets of Langerhans of the monkey Macaca irus by antibodies against S-100 protein

Summary S-100 protein-immunoreactive cells were demonstrated by immunocytochemical procedures in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans in the monkey Macaca irus. By use of antibodies against human S-100 protein or bovine S-100 protein, these cells were observed in all islets in the head and tail portions of the pancreas. Immunostained cells were usually located in the center of the islets or sometimes found in a more widely distributed form, but they were never arranged in a regular concentric fashion. The number of immunoreactive cells varied from one islet to another but it was relatively limited making up only 0.75%–6.3% of all insular cells. With the use of the double-immunoenzymatic procedure for demonstration of the four main endocrine cell types (insulin-, glucagon-, somatostatin-and pancreatic polypeptide producing elements), it was possible to establish that S-100 protein-immunoreactive cells represent a distinct cell type. Antibodies against S-100 protein-stained neuroinsular complexes. The present findings speak in favor of a new cell type to be added to the large variety of S-100 protein-immunoreactive cells outside the central nervous system.     

S-100 Protein Immunoreactivity in the Upper Eyelid of the Sheep Ovis aries

The aim of this work was to analyse the distribution pattern of S-100-immunoreactive elements in the upper eyelid of the sheep. This pattern may be of importance regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of eyelid tumours that are linked to deregulation of S-100 gene expression.Thirty upper eyelids taken from 15 adult male Ovis aries were studied by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method for light microscopy. S-100-immunopositive cells were found in the eyelid edge. S-100-immunopositive steams and thinner fibres were found throughout the eyelid. These nerve processes typically were denser around glands, hair follicles and blood vessels. S-100-immunopositive elements may play a role as neuromodulator and also in the development of the vegetative innervation of the epithelium and its derivatives.     

Detection by S-100 immunolabelling of interdigitating reticulum cells in human thymomas

In the light of recent findings concerning the presence of S-100 antigen in interdigitating reticulum cells (IRC's) in the normal human thymus, we investigated the possible presence of these cells in human thymomas. By the unlabelled antibody PAP method, using an anti-S-100 antiserum, both by light and electron microscopy we were able to demonstrate immunolabelled IRC's in the majority of spindle cell and in some round-oval cell thymomas. Keeping in mind the possible role of IRC's in intrathymic T-cell differentiation, the present findings could be relevant in the better comprehension of this thymic neoplasm.     

Structure of the non-lymphoid cells during the postnatal development of the rat lymph nodes

This study describes the postnatal development of the nonlymphoid cells with special reference to the fibroblastic reticulum cells (FRCs) and interdigitating cells (IDCs). The first lymphocytes of the neonatal lymph nodes are located in the developing deep cortex units (DCUs) identified by the Gomori's technique for reticulin fibres. Ultrastructural studies demonstrate that FRCs form the stroma of the DCUs. By light and electron microscopy, it is demonstrated that FRCs occupy the outer cortex in the following stages of development of the lymph nodes. Thus, FRCs form the stroma of the primary follicles and, later, are transformed in follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) of the germinal centres. Immature or pro-IDCs appear as migrating elements in the deep cortex of lymph nodes of the neonatal rats. The ultrastructure of the pro-IDCs resembles that of the mature IDCs but not that of the phagocytic cells. Pro-IDCs are transformed into mature IDCs whose cytoplasmic expansions contact lymphocytes via tight junctions. Some of these lymphocytes are likely apposed to FRCs of the DCUs. No cells containing Birbeck granules were found in the parenchyma of the lymph nodes during the postnatal development. The role of these nonlymphoid cells is discussed with respect to the immunologic function of mammalian lymph nodes.     

人胎儿脾交错突细胞发育的免疫组织化学研究

用免疫组织化学链亲合素（ＳＰ）显色法研究不同胎龄人胎儿脾中交错突细胞（ＩＤＣ）的形态,分布及数量变化。结果表明：１２周时ＩＤＣ呈散在分布,２８周以后ＩＤＣ逐渐聚集到动脉周围淋巴鞘及与脾小结的交界处和边缘区。ＩＤＣ在胎脾中有两种类型,一种呈圆形,可能是不成熟的ＩＤＣ,另一种有细长的突起,是成熟的ＩＤＣ。ＩＤＣ的数量随着胎龄的增长而增加,特别是在１２～２８周数量迅速增加,２８周后增长减慢。本文对ＩＤＣ在胎脾中的发育特点进行了讨论。     

Unknown G0/G1 Cell Subpopulation Revealed by Hydrochloric Acid/Acridine Orange Staining

An unknown cell subpopulation was observed in mouse and rat thymus, spleen and bone marrow cells, as well as in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (resting and stimulated by PHA) using equilibrium HCl/acridine orange staining. This subpopulation includes cells with decreased green and unchanged red fluorescence. The staining does not affect cells in S- and G₂/M-phases. The mechanism and biological meaning of the effect await further investigation.     

Satellite cells in the normal human adrenal gland and in pheochromocytomas

In light of the recent finding of the S-100 antigen in satellite cells of the rat adrenal medulla, we looked for S-100-labelled cells in both the normal human adrenal medulla and in pheochromocytomas. Immunostaining enabled us to detect S-100-labelled satellite cells by both light and electron microscopy in a significant number of pheochromocytomas and, as expected, in the normal human adrenal medulla.