The immunology of the human foetal pancreas aged 8-13 gestational weeks.
The expression of MHC class I and class II antigens by the human foetal pancreas (HFP) during the first trimester is poorly documented. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we analysed 37 HFPs aged 8-13 gestational weeks (gw) and compared the results with those of 9 HFPs aged 14-16 gw. In all of the specimens, the ductal cells were class I- and class II-negative. Islets and endothelial cells expressed class I but were class II-. Interstitial class II+ cells included macrophages, B lymphocytes and dendritic-like cells that were negative for macrophage markers. While the frequency of class II+ cells in the HFP remained constant from 8 to 13 gw, a threefold increase was observed from the end of the 13th gw to the 16th gw. In conclusion, the lower density of interstitial class II+ cells in HFPs aged 8-13 gw indicates that immunomodulation is likely to be more successful in this age group.
Lin
L C
LC
Renal Unit, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Welsh
K I
KI
Koffman
C G
CG
McColl
I
I
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005333:Fetus; D005865:Gestational Age; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II