Human thymic epithelium in culture: an experimental model for the study of thymic microenvironment.
The thymus plays a central role in the differentiation of T-lymphocytes. During the past years several in vitro models have been developed for the elucidation of the functional role of different thymic stromal cells. After reviewing the literature, the authors discuss: a) the in vivo and in vitro data on the structural organization of the thymus microenvironment, with particular reference to the epithelial cells; b) the endocrine function of the thymus; c) the interaction between the thymic epithelium and T-cell precursors. The experimental approaches to these problems are also discussed. In particular, the authors examine in detail the experimental aspects which are at present under investigation in their laboratories.
Osculati
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F
Istituto di Anatomia Umana ed Istologia, University of Verona, Italy.
Balercia
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G
Mathé
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G
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure