The dendritic cells of the guinea pig popliteal lymph node: identification and classification of cells observed by...

Scanning electrom microscopy of guinea pig popliteal lymph nodes revealed that 3 types of cells adhered to glass and possessed extensive cytoplasmic processes. Two of these types were considered to represent extremes of a macrophage population on the basis of possession of surface receptors for cytophilic Abs, complement and immunoglobulin, as well as their distribution, quantity and morphology. The third cell type was characterized by possession of large numbers of filamentous dendritic processes. On the basis of morphology, quantity, distribution and the absence of receptors, this cell was considered to represent a cell type clearly distinct from the other cells observed in the normal lymph node.