title: Development, alteration and real time dynamics of conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) is thought to play a key role in initiating ocular surface related immune responses. This study was planned to get first profound insights into the function of CALT related to development, cellular dynamics and morphological alteration using a novel mouse model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Expression and morphology of CALT were investigated using BALB/c mice kept under different housing conditions, after topical antigen-stimulation and following lymphadenectomy and splenectomy. Particles and bacteria were applied topically to study antigen-transport. Intravital visualization was performed using two-photon microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postnatal development and ultrastructure of CALT in the mouse is similar to humans. Topical antigen-challenge significantly alters CALT expression. Bacterial translocation is demonstrated via lymphoepithelium whereas cellular velocities within follicles were approximately 8 µm/min.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CALT in the mouse is an immunological interface of the ocular surface, featuring dynamic processes such as morphological plasticity, particle/bacteria transport and cellular migration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siebelmann
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Uta
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Gehlsen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Gereon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hüttmann
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical Optics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Koop
authors.affiliation: Institute of Anatomy II, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Torsten
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bölke
authors.affiliation: Institute of Anatomy II, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gebert
authors.affiliation: Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California, United States of America.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Stern
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jerry Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Niederkorn
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Steven
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D002451:Cell Compartmentation; D002465:Cell Movement; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D003199:Computer Systems; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004705:Endocytosis; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D013047:Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface