title: Neuropeptide-immunoreactive cells in human thymus.
abstract: The outer cortex of the human thymus contains a one- to two-cell-thick layer that is immunoreactive with antisera against beta-endorphin, (Leu)- and (Met)-enkephalin, bombesin, and substance P. The epithelial nature of these immunostained cells is revealed by immunoelectron microscopic studies showing the presence of desmosomal junctions. The presence of peptide-containing cells in the outer cortex, where the most immature and recently immigrated thymocytes are found, emphasizes the role of neuropeptides in regulating the microenvironment for T cell development.
authors.affiliation: Istituti di Anatomia Patologica, Università Cattolica S. Coure, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piantelli
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maggiano
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Larocca
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: F O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Ranelletti
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lauriola
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Capelli
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine / Q000032:analysis*; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000032:analysis*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007365:Intercellular Junctions / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D013373:Substance P; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine; D001615:beta-Endorphin