title: Laboratory suncus: a new model animal for tonsil research.
abstract: Palatine and tubal tonsils of normal and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) sensitized laboratory suncuses (Suncus murinus) were examined by immunoelectron microscopy. The individual tonsil consisted of lymphoepithelial symbiosis containing M cells and a lymph nodule. The high-endothelial venules and efferent lymphatics were situated in the parafollicular region of the nodule. Staining of the frozen tonsil sections by our recently developed anti-Suncus T and B lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies revealed that T cells occupied the parafollicular zone and B cells localized within the follicles. In the present intra-tympanic cavity HRP sensitization, numerous HRP-antibody producing cells were seen not only in the tubal tonsils but also in their regional lymph nodes, spleen and palatine tonsils. The same HRP-antibody was rarely detected within the submesangial regions of the kidney. These findings presume that Suncus tonsil is homologous to the human tonsil. The Suncus is, therefore worthy as a model animal for tonsil research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Kansai Shinkyu College, Kansai Academy of Medical Sciences, Wakaba, Osaka 590-04, Japan.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tohya
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuki
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001402:B-Lymphocytes; D002465:Cell Movement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008214:Lymphocytes; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D013601:T-Lymphocytes
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal