Different subclass distribution of IgA-producing cells in human lymphoid organs and various secretory tissues.
A highly reproducible paired immunofluorescence staining method was used to map the relative distribution of IgA1- and IgA2-producing cells in peripheral lymphoid organs and various secretory tissues. Spleen, peripheral lymph nodes, and tonsils all contained a marked predominance (91 to 95%) of IgA1 immunocytes. However, striking variations were demonstrated among the secretory tissues with regard to the median proportion of IgA1-producing cells: nasal mucosa, 96%; lacrimal glands, 81%; major salivary glands, 66%; mammary glands, 63%; gastric and proximal small intestinal mucosa, 84 to 77%; ileum, 55%; and large bowel, 41%. Thus, IgA2 production is relatively enhanced mainly in the distal gut and in mammary and salivary glands, in that order.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000921:Antibody-Producing Cells / Q000145:classification*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000145:classification*; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000276:immunology; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory