| Abstract: | Structure and function of Peyer's patches in man and animals are compared reviewing reports of recent years. Differences exist regarding number and distribution of Peyer's patches along the small intestine and regarding distribution of m-cells of dome epithelium. M-cells trigger the contact between infectious organisms and intestinal epithelium. Several different ways of interaction are possible: 1. Selective uptake of organisms by m-cells. 2. Paracellular transport of organisms between m-cells. 3. Multiplication of organisms above dome epithelial areas. 4. Restriction of interaction between organism and mucosa to absorptive enterocytes. 5. Specific damage of organisms to lymphatic areas of Peyer's patches. |
