Lipid-Laden Multilocular Cells in the Aging Thymus Are Phenotypically Heterogeneous.
Larissa G P Langhi1, Leonardo R Andrade1, Marilia Kimie Shimabukuro1
1Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Plos One
|October 29, 2015
Summary
Intrathymic lipid-laden multilocular cells (LLMC) increase with age in the thymus. These cells have diverse morphologies and phenotypes, interacting with lymphocytes and stromal cells, indicating they are multiple cell types accumulating lipids.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Intrathymic lipid-laden multilocular cells (LLMC) are implicated in thymic function.
- The precise phenotype and age-related changes of intrathymic LLMC remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the density, distribution, ultrastructure, and phenotype of intrathymic LLMC in aging thymuses.
- To clarify the cellular identity and interactions of LLMC within the thymus.
Main Methods:
- Histological analysis of thymic tissue from mice aged 3 to 24 months.
- Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy to characterize LLMC.
- Phenotypic analysis using markers such as PLIN, PPARγ2, UCP1, Iba-1, NG2, beclin-1, and panCK.
Main Results:
- LLMC density significantly increases in the thymus with age (3-24 months).
- LLMC exhibit diverse morphologies (fibroblastoid, globular, stellate) and locations (subcapsular, parenchymal, perivascular).
- LLMC represent multiple cell types, including preadipocytes, brown adipocytes, macrophages, and pericytes, characterized by lipid accumulation and interactions with thymic cells.
Conclusions:
- Intrathymic LLMC are present from a young age and their numbers increase with aging.
- LLMC are morphologically and phenotypically heterogeneous, comprising distinct lipid-accumulating cell types.
- These diverse LLMC interact with thymic stromal cells, endothelial cells, mast cells, and lymphocytes, potentially influencing thymic function.
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