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The appearance and distribution of mature T and B cells in the developing immune tissues of the stripe-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura) - PubMed

The appearance and distribution of mature T and B cells in the developing immune tissues of the stripe-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura)

J M Old et al. J Anat. 2004 Jul.

Abstract

This paper describes the initial appearance and distribution of mature T and B cells in the developing immune tissues of the stripe-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura) based on the use of species cross-reactive antibodies to the lymphocyte cell surface markers CD3, CD5 and CD79b. At birth no mature T or B cells were detected in the liver or bone marrow using anti-CD3, anti-CD5 or anti-CD79b antibodies. T cells were detected in the thymus with anti-CD3 by day 12 and anti-CD5 by day 50 postpartum, and T cells in the spleen were detected by day 43 and day 80 postpartum using anti-CD3 and anti-CD5, respectively. B cells were observed in the dunnart spleen by 43 days after birth. CD3- and CD79b-positive cells were detected in the lymph nodes by 50 days and CD5 by day 15 after birth, and in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues by day 50 and anti-CD5 by day 57 postpartum. The development and distribution of T and B cells in the immune tissues of dunnart pouch young is similar to that described in other marsupial species. Low numbers or absence of mature lymphocytes in immune tissues of early pouch young dunnarts further support the proposition that young marsupials are reliant on non-specific defence strategies and/or maternal strategies for a significant period of their time of development in the pouch.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1

Thymus sample from a 6.5- to 7-month-old dunnart showing lymphocytes stained with anti-CD3. Lymphocytes (arrow) are mainly stained throughout the medullary (M) areas, but a few are stained in the cortical (C) regions. Scale bar, 200 µm.

Fig. 2
Fig. 2

Spleen sample from an adult dunnart stained with anti-CD3 showing positively stained cells (arrow) scattered through the white pulp (WP). The periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS) in the white pulp area and the red pulp (RP) are also apparent. Scale bar, 100 µm.

Fig. 3
Fig. 3

(a) A 2.5-month-old lymph node is essentially mature in histological appearance, having a well-defined medulla (M) and cortex (C) within the capsule (Cp). Follicles (F) are prominent. Anti-CD5 heavily stains the cortical areas, with a few scattered lymphocytes stained in the medullary cords and sinuses. Scale bar, 100 µm. (b) Anti-CD79b stained the follicles (F) in lymph node sample from a 2.5-month-old dunnart. Note the well-defined medulla (M) and cortex (C). Scale bar, 100 µm.

Fig. 4
Fig. 4

Anti-CD79b clearly stained lymphocytes (arrows) in a 57-day-old gut sample. These areas in the submucosa resembled follicles (F). Interfollicular zones (I) and villi (V) were not stained. Scale bar, 100 µm.

Fig. 5
Fig. 5

(a)This adult dunnart BALT sample has lymphocytes stained (arrows) with anti-CD3 throughout. Note the lack of secondary follicles. Scale bar, 100 µm. (b)Anti-CD5 stained lymphocytes (arrows) throughout this adult dunnart BALT sample. Scale bar, 100 µm. (c)A high-magnification view of an adult dunnart BALT sample stained showing CD79b+ stained cells (arrow). Scale bar, 20 µm.

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