Expression of nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity on follicular dendritic cells from human mucosa associated lymphoid tissues.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) was originally considered as a trophic factor for peripheral sympathetic and sensory neurones; however, recent reports indicate that NGF may induce proliferation of immune and haematopoietic cells. Histochemical studies conducted in human spleen and lymph nodes have suggested the presence of NGF receptor (NGF-R) immunoreactive elements in secondary follicles; however the nature of the cells bearing the NGF-R in lymphoid tissue has not been determined. In this paper we report the results of an immunohistochemical study conducted on mucosa associated lymphoid tissue. Using a specific monoclonal antibody to human NGF-R (mAb 20.4) we observed an NGF-R-immunoreactive population in all secondary lymphoid follicles examined. Double immunostaining revealed that this population was composed of follicular dendritic cells (FDC); lymphoid cells within the germinal centres did not appear to be 20.4 immunoreactive. Cell suspensions from tonsillar follicles also contained NGF-R immunopositive dendritic cells which were enriched by a 20.4 labelled magnetic bead procedure, revealing cells with the morphological characteristics of FDC. Mononuclear cells from human peripheral blood did not contain any NGF-R-immunoreactive elements using our techniques.
Pezzati
P
P
Department of Pathology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Stanisz
A M
AM
Marshall
J S
JS
Bienenstock
J
J
Stead
R H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D001065:Appendix / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D013154:Spleen / Q000378:metabolism
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor