Quantification of particle uptake by conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in chickens

Tracer particle uptake by conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) was quantified in the lower eyelids of 1-, 3-, 5-, and 7-week-old broiler chickens. CALT was measured histologically by computerized image analysis in all birds and in additional 1-day-old and 16-week-old chickens not subjected to uptake assessment. Suspensions of carbon or iron oxide were placed in contact with CALT for 5, 15, or 30 minutes (contact time). After eyelid removal, tracer uptake was scored by light microscopy, CALT was measured, and a mathematically derived uptake index was evaluated statistically. At each age examined, computer-generated measurements showed a significant increase in the proportion of CALT lymphoepithelium within proximal eyelids. Within the conjunctival sites evaluated, tracer uptake was significantly greater in lymphoepithelium than in non-lymphoepithelium at all ages and at all contact times. Uptake increased significantly between 3 and 5 weeks of age and between 5 and 15 minutes of tracer contact. Based on these uptake data for CALT in chickens, a minimal age-specific maturity is suggested that may influence function in mucosal immunity.