Immunoglobulin-producing cells in the human thymus.
Ninety-nine human thymuses were examined by the immunoperoxidase technique to determine the number and distribution of cells containing cytoplasmic immunoglobulin (Ig). Such cells were found in greatest concentration in the medulla and least in the collagenous interlobular septa with intermediate concentrations in the cortex and paraseptal region. In the adult, IgG is detected most frequently with lesser amounts of IgA, and IgM least commonly. In the fetus, significant numbers of immunoglobulin-containing cells are present with a similar distribution to that seen in the adult and with IgG predominating. However IgM is demonstrated more frequently than IgA. There is a tendency for the number of Ig-containing cells to rise after birth and to continue into early adult life. Few are seen after the age of 20. There is also a tendency for the numbers to rise during the process of involution but few are seen in completely involuted thymuses. No IgD is demonstrated and IgE is present only on the surface of mast cells. Lambda light chain is present in greater quantities than kappa light chain. Although Ig-containing cells represent only a minor population, their presence must be taken into account when considering the function of the thymus and the mechanism of involution.
Henry
L
L
Department of Pathology, University of Sheffield, UK.
Anderson
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000921:Antibody-Producing Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / Q000032:analysis; D007146:Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / Q000032:analysis; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*
D007145:Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains; D007146:Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains; D007136:Immunoglobulins