Subpopulations of thymus dependent and thymus independent lymphocytes in human gut associated lymphoid tissues

Human gut associated lymphoid tissues were studied in terms of the presence of subpopulations of thymus dependent and thymus independent lymphocytes. Both thymus dependent and thymus independent lymphocytes were present in substantial numbers, as judged from their ability to form spontaneous and complement mediated rosettes with sheep red blood cells and the presence of surface bound immunoglobulins. The relationship between this finding and the question of what is the lymphoid organ which may be the human equivalent of the avian bursa is discussed.