Cellular changes in the spleens of mice infected with Sarcocystis muris.
Cellular changes in the spleens of mice infected with Sarcocystis muris have been studied. Immunofluorescent staining for B and T cells and alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) staining for macrophages combined with histological studies revealed marked changes in the populations and distributions of all three cell types. Infection was accompanied by a marked splenomegaly, attributable mainly to widespread hyperplasia of the white pulp. Following infection there was an increase in the relative proportions of B cells (i.e. surface immunoglobulin+) and ANAE+ cells and a decrease in the proportion of T cells (i.e. Thy 1.2+). There was also a progressive accumulation of immunoglobulin-containing cells in the periarteriolar lymphocytic sheaths. Splenomegaly was most pronounced 20 days after infection. At this time there were 9.3 times as many B cells, 3.7 times as many T cells and 16.6 times as many ANAE+ cells as in uninfected mice.
Gill
H S
HS
Department of Veterinary Pathology and Public Health, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Charleston
W A
WA
Moriarty
K M
KM
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002452:Cell Count; D007121:Immunocompetence; D051379:Mice; D009929:Organ Size; D012523:Sarcocystosis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology