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Normal human immune peritoneal cells: phenotypic characteristics
U Kubicka1, W L Olszewski, J Maldyk
1Department for Surgical Research and Transplantation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw.
Abstract:
Normal human peritoneal cells (PC) collected from patients with calculous cholecystitis without clinically detectable inflammatory changes were characterized morphologically, histochemically and phenotypically by means of monoclonal antibodies. The PC consisted of 45% of monocytes/macrophages (M718 + cells). Thirty-five per cent of PC were esterase-positive and 23% acid phosphatase positive. Forty-five per cent of PC adhered to glass surface. In the lymphocyte population, 2% of CD22 B lymphocytes (M738 +) and 42% CD2 T lymphocytes (M720+) were found. CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.4. There were 8% of Leu7 + cells. The PC did not reveal interleukin 2 (OKT26a +) and transferrin receptors (OKT9 +) on their surface. No blast cells were detected in the PC suspension. Approximately 49% of the PC expressed Ia antigens (OKIa1 +). Two per cent of S100 positive dendritic cells (Z311 +) were found. Peritoneal fluid contained 9% of granulocytes, mostly neutrophils. Two per cent of PC were free mesothelial cells (M717 +). We conclude that human peritoneal cavity contains a cell population significantly differing from that which is present in peripheral blood, which strongly suggests a non-random cell accumulation in the peritoneum. Lack of any activated cells indicates that under normal conditions the peritoneum lavage fluid contains a steady-state population. We conclude that the normal peritoneal fluid cells represent a heterogeneous population capable of reacting to various antigens entering the cavity from the gut.
Insights
Normal human peritoneal cells (PC) are a unique, heterogeneous population, differing significantly from blood cells. This suggests a non-random accumulation, indicating a steady-state system ready to respond to gut antigens.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Peritoneal Cavity Research
Background:
- The cellular composition of normal human peritoneal fluid is not fully understood.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively characterized peritoneal cells (PC) in the absence of overt inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the morphology, histochemistry, and phenotype of normal human peritoneal cells (PC).
- To compare the peritoneal cell population with that of peripheral blood.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of PC using monoclonal antibodies for phenotypic analysis.
- Morphological and histochemical staining (esterase, acid phosphatase).
- Assessment of cell adherence to glass and identification of specific cell markers (e.g., CD2, CD22, Ia antigens).
Main Results:
- PC comprised 45% monocytes/macrophages, 42% T lymphocytes (CD2+), and 2% B lymphocytes (CD22+).
- 49% of PC expressed Ia antigens, indicating antigen-presenting capability.
- The population lacked activated cells (interleukin 2, transferrin receptors) and blast cells, suggesting a steady-state.
Conclusions:
- The human peritoneal cavity harbors a distinct cell population compared to peripheral blood.
- This suggests a non-random accumulation and a steady-state cellular environment.
- Peritoneal fluid cells are a heterogeneous population poised to respond to gut-derived antigens.