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The immune tissues of the endangered red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) - PubMed

The immune tissues of the endangered red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura)

J M Old et al. J Anat. 2006 Mar.

Abstract

The lymphoid tissues of the red-tailed phascogale (Phascogale calura) were examined using histological and immunohistochemical techniques. The distribution of immune cells in the tissue beds was documented using antibodies to surface markers CD3 and an MHC Class II antigen (equivalent to HLA DRII). Spleen, gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT), lung, bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and liver were examined. The spleen had defined areas of red and white pulp, with follicles containing tingible-bodied macrophages. Anti-CD3 and anti-HLA DRII antibodies revealed the presence of T cells in areas of white pulp and around the peri-arterial lymphatic sheaths. GALT and BALT were detected and appeared as scattered areas of lymphocytes in the tissues beds. This is the first study to report on the lymphoid tissues of this endangered species of marsupial and the first report of the capacity of anti-human antibodies to a surface MHC molecule to react with Dasyurid cells.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1

Phascogale spleen section showing defined white pulp (WP) and red pulp (RP). The red pulp is transversed by light-staining trabeculae. Scale bar, 20 µm.

Fig. 2
Fig. 2

Phascogale spleen section stained with anti-CD3 with positively stained cells (arrow). Cells are stained in the white pulp areas (WP). A few scattered cells are stained in the red pulp (RP) areas. Scale bar, 80 µm.

Fig. 3
Fig. 3

Phascogale spleen section stained with anti-HLA-DR. Positively stained cells are seen (arrow) scattered throughout the white pulp (WP) and red pulp (RP). Scale bar, 80 µm.

Fig. 4
Fig. 4

Phascogale gut section showing many villi (V) with goblet cells (round, clear circles) interspersed among epithelial cells. Lymphocytes are also seen. Scale bar, 19 µm.

Fig. 5
Fig. 5

Phascogale gut section showing a Peyer's patch and villi (V). Note the germinal centre (Gc) with the defined mantle (Mn) and interfollicular areas (IFA). Scale bar, 19 µm.

Fig. 6
Fig. 6

Phascogale gut section showing a Peyer's patch with an obvious dome (D) structure and no villi above. The villi are present above the other Peyer's patches. The patches have a germinal centre (Gc) with a well-defined mantle (Mn). Scale bar, 20 µm.

Fig. 7
Fig. 7

Phascogale lung section showing an accumulation of lymphocytes (darkly staining area) surrounding a bronchus. The bronchus lumen is lined by epithelial cells. Note the cartilage ring (C) and alveoli (Av). Scale bar, 75 µm.

Fig. 8
Fig. 8

Phascogale liver showing a central vein (CV). Hepatic cords and sinuses radiate out from the central vein. Scale bar, 32 µm.

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