Splenic microenvironment of the CBA/N mouse: immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies against lymphocytes and nonlymphoid cells.
CBA/N mice carry an X-linked immune-deficiency gene, leading to a defect in the ability to form antibodies against T-independent type 2 antigens. By using immunohistochemistry, the organization of the spleen of the immune-deficient male (xid) CBA/N F1 and the normal female F1 were compared. Staining with antilymphocyte markers showed that the total number of cells in the various T- and B-cell areas was smaller in the xid mouse, resulting in very small white pulp compartments. Fewer B cells were seen in the marginal zone. When the spleens of the F1 mice were examined for macrophage markers, the rings of marginal-zone macrophages and the ring of marginal metallophilic macrophages were much thinner in the xid mouse. In particular, the marginal-zone macrophages are thought to play a role in the response against thymus-independent type 2 antigens, and their small numbers in the xid mouse are suggestive of a role for the microenvironment in the defects in these mice.
Kraal
G
G
Department of Cell Biology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hoeben
K
K
Janse
M
M
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000921:Antibody-Producing Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal