The diffusely-infiltrated lymphoid tissue of the bursa of Fabricius of Sturnus unicolor. Histological organization and functional significance.
In the present study we confirm and extend previous reports about the existence of a T-dependent area in the bursa of Fabricius of some birds, analyzing ultrastructurally the cell content of the so-called diffusely-infiltrated lymphoid tissue of the bursa of the spotless starling, Sturnus unicolor. It consists of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages (Mphis) and interdigitating cells (IDCs) in a supporting reticular stroma which, apart from blood capillaries, contains postcapillary high-endothelial venules (HEVs). The presence of both IDCs and HEVs confirms the T-cell-dependent nature of this area, as previously claimed for other avian species, and emphasizes other functions, apart from its role in B-cell maturation, for the bursa of Fabricius specially in adult birds.
Fonfría
J
J
Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
Moreno
J
J
Gómez del Moral
M
M
Alonso
L
L
Zapata
A G
AG
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D002060:Bursa of Fabricius / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure