The macrophage population of the gastro-intestinal tract of the rat.
The macrophage population of the gastro-intestinal tract of the rat was studied by using a set of three monoclonal antibodies (ED1, ED2 and ED3) directed against rat macrophages, an anti-Ia monoclonal antibody and by performing an acid phosphatase reaction. The lamina propria of the whole gastro-intestinal tract comprised quite high numbers of macrophages. This macrophage population was heterogeneous. The Ia-positivity and the acid phosphatase activity of the macrophages were higher in the intestines than in the stomach and esophagus. ED1-positive macrophages were also quite numerous in the intestines; their number was relatively low in the esophagus and stomach. ED2-positive macrophages were found equally dispersed along the gastro-intestinal tract; ED3-positive cells were hardly found. The functional implications of the present findings are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004064:Digestive System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal