The Thymus of the Guinea Fowl from the Eighteenth Day of Incubation until Maturity

The thymus gland of the guinea fowl appeared as a series of pink, irregular-shaped lobes along the jugular veins. These lobes were 13 in number with seven on the right and six on the left side. The third and sixth lobes on the right side were the largest. The largest lobe measured about 20.0 × 5.0 mm while the smallest measured about 5.0 × 4,0 mm. Histologically, it was encircled by a thin layer of poorly stained connective tissue from which strands penetrated the thymic tissue giving incomplete lobules peripherally as early as day 18 of incubation. Lymphocytes and reticular epithelial cells were the two types of cells occurring at this time. Reticular epithelial cells were observed to be vacuolated especially towards the centre of the gland. Macrophages were observed in the thymus on day 20 of incubation for the first time. The blood vessels had accompanied the interlobular septa into the thymus. By day 21 of incubation, blood vessels had actually penetrated the thymic tissue but most of these vessels were of the capillary size. The cortex also became quite distinct from the medulla. At day 22, vacuolation ceased to appear in the cells at the cortical zone. Macrophages were still less than 10 in the slide. At day 23, most blood vessels were within the medulla and they displayed compressed lumi-na. Mitotic figures became a common site amongst the large lymphocytes and reticular epithelial cells. By day one post-hatch, lobulation of the thymus was still poor and macrophages became difficult to identify. The small and medium lymphocytes had outnumbered the large lymphocytes throughout the thymic tissue except at the most peripheral zone of the cortex. Fine vacuoles had reappeared within the cytoplasm of the reticular epithelial cells in the cortex. By day five, the distribution of blood vessels was almost uniform between the cortex and medulla. At three weeks post-hatch, plasma cells and red blood cells were seen in the stroma of the gland for the first time and most of the red blood cells occurred in the medulla.     

Spleen cell population changes and hemolytic anemia in F344 rats with large granular lymphocyte leukemia

A spontaneous large granular lymphocyte leukemia from a F344 rat was transplanted to 36 syngeneic recipients to study the interactions among leukemia, T lymphocytes, and the development of immunemediated hemolytic anemia. Six rats were euthanatized at biweekly intervals, and spleen weight, total spleen cellularity, and differential spleen cell counts were correlated with hemograms and osmotic fragility. Sequential changes in splenic architecture were correlated with hematologic parameters. Monoclonal antibodies defining all T lymphocytes (W3/13), T helper-inducer cells (W3/25), and T suppressor cells (OX-8) were used to identify T cells in immunocytochemical techniques on spleen sections, as well as in fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis of spleen cell suspensions. The onset of hemolytic anemic at 7 weeks after transplantation coincided with the first detection of tumor cells in the spleen and peripheral blood. Tumor cells first accumulated in the marginal zones, and then they infiltrated the red pulp sinusoids. Although the leukemia caused dispersion of the splenic lymphoid tissue, there was no significant lymphopenia, and the relative number of helper (W3/25+) and suppressor (OX-8+) lymphocytes did not change. Because the induction of anemia was a relatively early event in splenic involvement, we concluded that anemia was unrelated to disruption of lymphoid architecture; furthermore, it does not appear to be caused by changes in the numbers of regulatory T lymphocytes.     

Spontaneous Erythroid Leukemia in a 7-Week-Old Crl:CD (SD) Rat

A young male Crl:CD (SD) rat with erythroid leukemia that presented with emaciation, abdominal distension and a pale visible mucosal membrane was euthanized at 7 weeks of age. At necropsy, enlargement of liver, spleen and pancreatic lymph node was noted. Analysis of blood smear samples revealed many mono- or binucleated erythroblasts that had PAS-positive vacuoles in the cytoplasm. Histopathologically, neoplastic proliferation of atypical cells was observed in the hepatic sinusoids, splenic red pulp, bone marrow, pancreatic lymph node, kidney and lung. Neoplastic cells showed a round to spindle shape, and some neoplastic cells had deeply stained small nuclei and small cytoplasms and resembled erythroblasts. Immunohistochemically, many neoplastic cells were positive for hemoglobin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of erythroid leukemia in a rat of this age. The observed features were similar to those of pure erythroid leukemia in humans.     

刺五加多糖对雏鸡脾脏中T、B淋巴细胞定位分布的影响

为了研究雏鸡注射不同浓度刺五加多糖(ASPS)后脾脏中T、B淋巴细胞定位分布的变化情况,将60只1日龄雏鸡随机分为3组:对照组、低剂量组和高剂量组,每组20只,10日龄起对低、高剂量组雏鸡分别皮下注射免疫50和200 mg/m L的ASPS 0.2 m L,对照组雏鸡以相同方式注射等体积的生理盐水,连续注射4 d。于末次免疫后第7天和第14天,从每组中分别随机选取5只雏鸡,取其脾脏制作冰冻切片,采用免疫组织化学方法检测CD3+T淋巴细胞和Bu-1+B淋巴细胞的定位分布。结果显示,与对照组比较,低、高剂量组在注射后的7 d和14 d ASPS均能增加脾脏中CD3+T淋巴细胞和Bu-1+B淋巴细胞的数量,由CD3+T淋巴细胞构成的脾脏特征性结构-动脉周围淋巴鞘(PALS)的面积也显著增加,红髓中CD3+T淋巴细胞也明显增多,分布范围逐渐增加;同时,由Bu-1+B淋巴细胞构成的椭球周围淋巴鞘(EALS)的面积也明显增加,红髓和白髓中的浆细胞数量显著增多,并在注射后14 d时出现生发中心。与对照组比较,高剂量组和注射后14 d时上述变化趋势更为明显。结果表明,ASPS能够增加脾脏中T、B淋巴细胞的数量,并且能够影响其在PALS、EALS等脾脏特征性结构中的定位分布,从而从组织学角度进一步证明ASPS对鸡免疫功能具有显著的增强作用。     

Theileria parva infection in calves causes massive lymphocyte death in the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes without initial proliferation

In a study of trends and magnitudes of lymphocytes proliferation, destruction or apoptosis eleven 3-month-old healthy calves were experimentally infected with the protozoan parasite Theileria parva, which is reported to cause lymphocyte proliferation. Four control calves were not infected. Infected and non-infected calves were sacrificed on days 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 24 and 25 to examine lymphoid tissue changes and lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis or necrosis in the thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. All infected calves developed severe East Coast fever, with enlargement of lymph nodes, dyspnoea, high fever and pulmonary oedema. Lymphocyte proliferation was not observed in lymph nodes, thymus and spleen; instead there were massive deaths of lymphocytes and other cells. The terminal severe disease caused massive lymphoid parenchyma coagulation terminating with caseation, organs and cells being undeterminable histologically. Tissues surrounding the lymph nodes were oedematous. Lymph node and thymus parenchyma were caseated and cortices and medulla indistinguishable because of severe lymphocyte and accessory cell deaths. The lymph node fibrous reticular stroma was necrotic and caseated. Lymphoid follicles in lymph nodes degenerated and lacked germinal centres. Lymph nodes, spleen and thymus were grossly enlarged, hardened, potato or cheese like, but microscopically very hypocellular and in the terminal disease acellular because of massive lymphocytes destruction. In the thymus there was extensive thymocyte and epithelioid cell necrosis and loss of distinction between cortex and medulla. The spleen white and red pulps were indistinguishable because of extensive lymphoid cell necrosis. The white pulp degenerated more than the red pulp. The massive lymphocyte deaths in the lymph nodes, thymus and spleen, without lymphocyte proliferation in this T. parva infection in calves leads to a conclusion that this parasite is lympho-destructive and lympho-degenerative in vivo rather than lympho-proliferative.     

猪脾脏结构和功能及其免疫关键基因研究进展

脾脏作为猪最大的次级淋巴器官,含有多种免疫活性细胞和免疫因子,是先天性免疫和适应性免疫重要的应答场所,具有广泛的免疫调控功能;同时可清除衰老、损伤红细胞及过滤病原体,并在造血和储藏血细胞方面具有重要作用。这些功能与脾脏的结构密切相关,其中红髓主要作为血液滤过器,执行造血、储血和清除异物的功能;白髓是免疫的主要区域,含有多种免疫细胞,可执行特异性免疫应答调控功能;而边缘区是连接两个区室的重要桥梁,使所有细胞和抗原都能通过其进入脾脏不同部位。不同的发育和免疫关键基因是实现脾脏功能的根本,发育基因的表达保证了其结构的完整,为脾脏执行各种功能提供空间。免疫关键基因的表达确保了免疫反应进行,其中不同模式识别受体基因的表达保证了先天性免疫的吞噬和识别应答,而各种免疫细胞分泌的多种细胞因子和免疫活性物质是获得性免疫反应的基础,实现机体清除和监控抗原的生理过程。随着脾脏研究的深入,对其各种免疫细胞和免疫功能有了新的认识。作者首先阐述了脾脏组织不同区域的生物学功能;然后结合机体免疫应答机制,论述脾脏先天性和特异性免疫功能以及所需免疫细胞和免疫因子的作用与关联;最后简单介绍了脾脏胚胎期和出生后期的组织发育和免疫相关基因,总结了猪脾脏先天性免疫中重要的模式识别受体及其基因家族,为研究猪脾脏先天性免疫功能提供参考。     

鸡脾脏中血管活性肠肽的表达特点

运用免疫组织化学超敏SP法对不同生长阶段鸡脾脏中血管活性肠肽 (vasoactivein testinalpeptide ,VIP)的表达特点进行了研究 ,结果显示 :脾脏中VIP阳性反应主要出现于被膜及红髓 ,并在整个生长阶段维持较强的表达 ,红髓的脾索和脾窦间还有较多的巨噬细胞呈VIP强阳性反应 ;白髓中仅见动脉周围淋巴鞘中央动脉有VIP的表达 ,并随日龄的增加逐渐减弱。研究结果提示鸡脾脏是产生VIP的又一个重要部位 ,脾脏中的VIP可参与鸡免疫器官的功能调节 ,它可作为一种信号分子介导神经内分泌系统和免疫系统之间的相互作用     

Scanning electron microscopic studies on the red pulp of the mink spleen

In order to obtain three-dimensional information on the fine architecture of the red pulp of the mink spleen, especially the circulation pattern in the red pulp, perfusion-fixed and freeze-cracked specimens were examined with a scanning electron microscope. A latticework was formed by elongated endothelial cells (rod cells) with side processes and the spongy reticular tissue. The outer surface of the sinus was covered with fine processes of reticular cells. Numerous sheathed arteries were found in the splenic cord. The sheath was composed of a few layers of flat reticular cells. The arterial capillaries of the red pulp opened directly into the cordal space. No evidence could be detected to prove or suggest any direct continuity between arterial capillaries and splenic sinuses. These results strongly support the concept of "open circulation", at least in the red pulp of the mink spleen, with the possibility of a "functionally closed circulation" under some physiological conditions.     

Presence of bluetongue virus in the marginal zone of the spleen in acute infected sheep

Bluetongue virus, a member of the genus Orbivirus of the family Reoviridae, is the causative agent of bluetongue, which is a non-contagious Culicoides mediated blood-borne disease. The present study characterizes the pathogenicity of a Taiwan prototype BTV2/KM/2003 in Corriedale sheep inoculated subcutaneously into the ear pinna. Histologically, multifocal petechiated hemorrhage, with mild to moderate inflammation and edema, were present in the contralateral ear pinna, tongue, and facial skin, without remarkable lesions in lymphoid organs. By days post-infection (DPI) 7, viral VP7 antigen, detected by immunohistochemistry, presented in the spleen, chiefly located in the outer rim of <3 cell thickness of marginal zone macrophages bordering the marginal zone and red pulp, and T lymphocytes of the red pulp. By DPI 11, viral signals shifted from the marginal zone to macrophages and small lymphocytes within follicles of the spleen. In situ hybridization with VP7 gene probe detected strong signals in the spleen, chiefly spanning the whole width of 5-10 cell thickness of the marginal zone, including the marginal zone macrophages and marginal zone B cells, as well as macrophages of sheathed capillaries in the red pulp. This study demonstrates molecular as well as morphologic evidence of the presence of bluetongue virus in the marginal zone of the spleen, most likely associated with viremia in acute infection, as previously demonstrated by the authors.     

Study on Mast Cells Development in Immune Organ and Digestive Organ of Chick

For observing and analyzing the motpha,distribution and quantity of mast cells (MC),the differentiation time and degree of immune organs and digestive organs in different ages of chicken were fixed by Carnoy's,stained by AB/SO.The results showed that MC concentrated in the thymus medulla;In spleen,MC distributed in the junction of red pulp and white pulp;MC were seen in the tissue around the lymphoid nodules in bursa of fabricicus tissue. MC distributed with the lamina propria and compound tubular gland in stomach;MC distributed in the lamina propria,sub mucosa of intestine;More MC in liver concentrated around sinusoids and the central vein.The number of MC in the main immune organs and digestive organs of 1 to 7 day old chicks showed an increasing trend.     

雏鸡免疫器官与消化器官发育中肥大细胞的观察

本试验通过Carony's液固定,阿尔新蓝-藏红O复染(AB/SO)法,对1~7日龄雏鸡免疫器官和消化器官中肥大细胞(mast cells,MC)的形态、分布及数量变化进行观察分析.结果表明,免疫器官中MC集中分布在胸腺髓质内、脾脏红白髓交界处、法氏囊的淋巴小结周围组织内;消化器官中MC密集分布于腺胃固有层和胃腺周围、肠的固有层及黏膜下层、肝脏窦状隙和中央静脉周围.雏鸡主要免疫器官与消化器官MC数量随日龄增长均呈上升趋势.     

Involvement of spleen components of mature fowl in the primary and secondary humoral antibody response following experimental EDS'76 virus infection

Summary

Cellular changes in spleens of mature fowl in relation to both the primary and secondary humoral antibody response following experimentalEDS'76 virus infection were studied. The influence of splenectomy on humoral antibody response was also examined.

Experimental fowl had been naturally infected with fowl adenovirus (FAV) but did not possess precipitins to these viruses at the time of EDS’ 76 virus infection. Since EDS'76 infection provokes a recall of the group antibody to FAV, this infection simultaneously induces a primary response against EDS’ 76 virus and a secondary response due to the recall of the group antibody to FAV.

HI and precipitating antibodies toEDS'76 virus (primary response) werefirst detected at 6 and 8 days p.i. respectively. Curves of HI, precipating and neutralising antibody titres were biphasic; the first peak (IgM peak) occurred at 10–11 days p.i., the second (IgG peak) at 16–28 days p.i.

Precipitating antibodies to FAV (secondary response) were demonstrated from 4 days p.i. The curve of these antibody titres was also biphasic, with peaks at the same times as in the primary response.

Based on HI and AGP testing of primary and secondary immune response in both splenectomised and non‐splenectomised fowl it is concluded that in the primary response the spleen of the adult fowl is involved significantly in only IgM secretion, while in the secondary response it is likely that bothIgM and IgG are secreted in considerable amounts.

Clusters of lymphoblasts and plasmablasts were observed at 3 days p.i. in the red pulp. It is very likely that antigen‐antibody complexes are formed from that time and circulate bound to the surface of lymphocytes. These antigen‐loaded lymphocytes are ‘picked up’ from the blood stream by

– red pulp macrophages, leading to enhanced formation of lymphoblasts in the red pulp. Great numbers of these cells (which are very probably IgM secreting cells) were present on days 6 and 7 p.i., but were no longer detectable after day 10 p.i.

– macrophages of the macrophagalellipsoidal corona (MEC), leading to significant enlargement of the periellipsoidal lymphoid tissue(PELT) by an increase of the number of lymphocytes observedfrom days 4–12 p.i. The MEC was significantly enlarged from 7–12 days p.i., very likely due to an increased number of macrophages.

Following deposition of antigen in the white pulp, formation of follicles begins. The number of small, intact follicles includingfollicle precursors increasedfrom 6 days p.i. From 15 days p.i. to the end of the experiment both the number and size of follicles increased significantly.

Uptake and processing of antigen by macrophages is probably accompanied by death of some of these cells. This might explain the degenerative changes observed in large mesenchymal cells, probably macrophages, at 3 and 5 days p.i. in the red pulp and at 5 and 6 days especially in the MEC. Splenitis which was present at 3 and 5 days p.i. and oedema observed in and around ellipsoidal cells at 5 days p.i. may be due to mediators released from these degenerative macrophages.

A significantly increased number of follicles with lymphoblasts was seen from 2–15 days p.i. while lymphoblasts and plasmablasts were present in the PELT from 5–15 days p.i., but predominantly at 6 and 7 days p.i. It is likely that disruption of follicles and blast transformation of white pulp lymphoid cells are secondary response events. White pulp lymphoblastsand plasmablastsare probably IgG secreting cells.

Splenomegaly was observed at 3, 5 and 6 days after infection and was mainly due to swelling of red pulp macrophages and infiltration of granulocytes in the red pulp. Ellipsoidal and periellipsoidal changes could contribute to the splenomegaly at 5 and 6 days p.i.     

Effect of Rous associated virus number 7 on lymphoid cells and tissues of the chicken

Infection of chicks or chick embryos with Rous associated virus number 7 (RAV-7) led to a decreased blastogenic response to Concanavalin A (Con A) by lymphocytes isolated from the spleen and thymus. Chicks infected with RAV-7 8 days after hatch manifested decreased Con A blastogenesis 5 weeks postinfection, while chicks infected in ovo at 10 days of incubation showed an unusual pattern of cell density dependent decreased blastogenesis two weeks post-hatch (three weeks post-infection). Histopathological examination of tissues from RAV-7 infected chicks revealed evidence of lymphoid organ involution and widespread lymphoproliferative lesions by 3 weeks of age. The combination of decreased in vitro lymphoid blastogenesis and in vivo lymphoproliferation suggests that RAV-7 interacts with lymphocytes in a fashion that has not previously been described in the chicken.     

Spleen-Specific Development of Germinal Centers in Rats Treated with Antithyroid Drugs

The antithyroid drugs (ATDs) methimazole (MMI) and propylthiouracil (PTU) have been used for treatment of hyperthyroidism for more than several decades, despite the fact that they are associated with adverse drug reactions that are thought to be autoimmune mediated. We therefore examined histopathologic responses in the immune system in male and female rats given MMI (2, 20 and 200 mg/kg/day, p.o., in experiment 1; 200 mg/kg/day, p.o., in experiment 3) or PTU (25 and 250 mg/kg/day, p.o., in experiment 2; 200 mg/kg/day, p.o., in experiment 3) for two weeks. In experiments 1 and 2, highest doses of MMI and PTU induced histopathologic changes in the spleen consistent with those in experiment 3 without any changes in the other peripheral lymphoid organs and tissues. In experiment 3, histopathological evaluation of the spleen along with hematological and bone marrow examinations were performed. In both male and female rats, MMI or PTU induced histopathological changes in the spleen characterized by development of germinal centers and an increase in the number of IgG-positive plasma cells in the red pulp; these changes were most prevalent in the MMI-treated female rats. Total red and white blood cell counts were decreased in the MMI-treated male and female rats; lymphocytes and monocytes were lower in male and female rats, respectively. Bone marrow nucleated cells were significantly lower in the MMI-treated males. This is the first study to demonstrate that ATDs induce spleen specific B-cell reactions in rats     

Pathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical changes caused by Lelystad virus in experimentally induced infections of mystery swine disease (synonym: porcine epidemic abortion and respiratory syndrome (PEARS))

The pathogenicity and pathogenesis of Lelystad virus was studied in six 6-day-old SPF piglets. A third passage of the agent was propagated on porcine alveolar macrophages and intranasally inoculated into pigs. Pigs were killed at hours 24, 48, 60, and 72, and on days 6 and 8 after inoculation. From day 2 on pigs developed diffuse interstitial pneumonia with focal areas of catarrhal pneumonia, and from this day on splenic red pulp macrophages were enlarged and vacuolated. Lelystad virus was re-isolated from the lungs of infected pigs from day 2 after inoculation. Lelystad virus antigens were detected by immunohistochemical techniques in bronchiolar epithelium and alveolar cells, and in spleen cells of infected pigs from day 2 after inoculation. Ultrastructural examination of tissues by electron microscopy revealed degenerating alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells in lungs and nasal mucosa, with excessive vacuolation of the endoplasmic reticulum. Although the respiratory tract seems to be the target organ for this virus, macrophages in other organs, such as the spleen, can also be infected. This preference for macrophages may impair immunological defences.     

鸡免疫器官中血管活性肠肽的分布特点

应用免疫组化超敏SP法对鸡不同生长阶段免疫器官中血管活性肠肽(VIP)的表达特点进行了研究,结果显示,胸腺中VIP阳性反应主要分布于被膜及髓质,而皮质内反应较弱;随日龄增加,VIP在被膜和髓质内一直维持较强的表达;实质中VIP强阳性淋巴细胞数量随日龄逐渐增多,至42 d开始减少.脾脏中VIP阳性反应主要出现于被膜及红髓,并在整个生长阶段维持较强的表达,红髓的脾索和脾窦间还有较多的巨噬细胞呈VIP强阳性反应;白髓中仅见动脉周围淋巴鞘中央动脉有VIP的表达,并随日龄的增加逐渐减弱.法氏囊中VIP的表达范围广泛,涉及黏膜、黏膜下层和肌层,尤以黏膜上皮细胞和法氏囊小结髓质的表达为典型;随着日龄增加,黏膜上皮细胞VIP表达逐渐减弱,囊小结髓质一直保持较强的VIP阳性着色,囊小结皮髓质交界处上皮细胞层内VIP强阳性细胞有逐渐增多的趋势.鸡免疫器官中VIP阳性反应物质的广泛分布,提示这3种器官是神经系统以外产生VIP的重要部位,法氏囊中的VIP可参与鸡免疫器官的功能调节,它可作为一种信号分子介导神经内分泌系统和免疫系统之间的相互作用.     

Feather-pulp lesions in chickens with naturally occurring Marek's disease lymphomas

Feather pulps of 15-to-35-week-old chickens with Marek's disease (MD) lymphomas were examined histopathologically. Of the 64 chickens, 59 (92.2%) had lymphoproliferative (T-type) lesions in the feather pulp. The T-type feather-pulp lesion (FPL) occurred in all regions, but more frequently in the upper column of the pulp. Severe lesions were distributed throughout the feather pulp. Some of the T-type FPLs regressed to inflammatory lesions consisting of necrosis or loss of constituent cells, edema, and infiltration by small lymphocytes, heterophils, and plasma cells. The regressive T-type FPL was usually diffuse throughout the tumorous lesions, but proliferative foci were often seen concomitantly with regressive lesions. The grade and histologic picture of T-type FPLs in chickens correlated well with those of the visceral lymphomas. These findings suggest that the severity of MD lymphoma is predictable without autopsy by examining feather-pulp samples.     

Immunosuppression in deer mice with experimentally induced trypanosomiasis.

Light and electron microscopic examinations of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) chronically infected with Trypanosoma equiperdum revealed hyperplasia of germinal center lymphocytes (germanocytes) in the lymph follicles of spleen and lymph nodes and infiltration of the splenic red pulp cords and nodal medullary cords with plasma cells. Proliferation and infiltration of plasma cells caused disruption of the B- and T-lymphocyte areas in these organs. Stimulation of splenic lymphocytes in vitro by phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A revealed marked depression in T-lymphocyte response; stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and pokeweed mitogens showed depression of B-cell response. Deer mice infected with virulent trypanosomes had decreased immunologic response to injection of sheep red blood cells, whereas deer mice given radioattenuated trypanosomes had normal to enhanced immunologic response to injection of sheep red blood cells.     

滴鼻途径感染猪血凝性脑脊髓炎病毒小鼠的免疫动态变化

应用石蜡切片、ELISA等方法,通过对小鼠脾脏病理组织学观察以及脾脏指数、IL-2、IFN-γ和TNF-α等重要细胞因子的检测,研究猪血凝性脑脊髓炎病毒（Hemagglutinatingencephalomyelitisvirus,HEV）感染不同周龄（4、6周龄）BALB／c小鼠后的免疫动态变化特点。结果显示,无论是4周龄还是6周龄小鼠,在被HEV感染后的1～3d,脾小体生发中心增大并在红髓有多量浆细胞出现,第4天脾小体开始缩小,其周边和中央动脉周围有多量淋巴细胞聚集,到第5天脾小体生发中心消失并在其周边和中央动脉周围淋巴细胞增多。另外,脾脏指数和血清中的TNF-α、IFN-γ、IL-4浓度均呈现先升高后降低的趋势,IL-2含量变化不明显,而IL-10含量较少几乎检测不到。结果表明,HEV感染初期,小鼠对侵入的病毒做出一定的免疫应答,但是随着病毒复制,病毒量的增大,小鼠的免疫反应受到抑制。同时不同周龄小鼠的被检指标降低或升高程度及持续时间不同,表明HEV的免疫、发病与小鼠感染年龄之间存在一定相关性。     

Electron microscopic cytochemical studies of anionic sites in the rat spleen

The distribution patterns of the intensity of negative charge on the free surfaces (glycocalyx of the plasma membrane) of endothelial cells (ECs) in blood vessels and reticular cells (RCs) in the splenic cord of the rat spleen were studied by an electron microscopic cytochemical method using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a cationic probe. Spleens from adult male rats were perfusion-fixed with 0.5% glutaraldehyde -4% paraformaldehyde containing 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride and then perfused with 0.5% PEI at pH 7.4. On the free surfaces (glycocalyx of the plasma membrane) of the ECs examined, distinct PEI-positive reactions were observed in blood vessels, such as trabecular arteries, central arteries, arterial capillaries, pulp veins and trabecular veins. These PEI-positive electron-dense substances in the trabecular arteries, central arteries, and trabecular veins took the shape of a band of 170-250 nm in thickness. On the other hand, the corresponding ultrastructure of the ECs lining the splenic sinuses and the RCs in the splenic cord showed exceedingly weak PEI reactions. The PEI-reactive deposits were significantly thinner than those in the above blood vessels. As the thickness of the electron-dense substances can be related to the density of the negative charge, these results suggest that there is a high intensity of negative charge on the free surfaces (glycocalyx of the plasma membrane) of ECs in blood vessels where blood cells and plasma pass into the red pulp or are discharged from the red pulp. In contrast, the splenic sinuses and RCs, which are the main components of the red pulp, contain weakly negative-charged sites. This may contribute to the microcirculation of the splenic blood vessels and elucidate the possible physiological functions of the spleen, such as blood storage.