Some properties of dendritic macrophages from peripheral lymph
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R Barfoot1, S Denham, L A Gyure
1Experimental Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, U.K.
Abstract:
Peripheral lymph was collected from the skin and liver of sheep, and from the intestine of rats. The dendritic macrophages contained in it were isolated by centrifuging the lymph over a layer of 'Nycodenz'. Similar cells were produced by culturing mononuclear cells from venous blood, but the yields were very small. The numbers of dendritic cells in the lymph from the legs of sheep increased five-fold after xylene had been applied to the skin. Dendritic macrophages displayed abundant class II histocompatibility antigens on their surfaces, as well as immunoglobulins. Although the latter were probably acquired passively, they remained present for several days on cells cultured in vitro. When in vitro, dendritic cells could be shown to phagocytose marker particles, such as latex beads, but their performance was unimpressive compared to macrophages from the peritoneal cavities of rats. In contrast, their ability to phagocytose rapidly T4 phage or influenza viruses unequivocal and striking.
Insights
Peripheral lymph dendritic cells, identified in sheep and rats, show increased numbers after skin irritation. These cells efficiently phagocytose viruses and T4 phage, indicating a significant role in immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Peripheral lymph contains specialized immune cells.
- Dendritic cells play a crucial role in initiating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize dendritic macrophages from peripheral lymph.
- To investigate the functional capabilities of these dendritic cells.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral lymph was collected from sheep and rats.
- Dendritic macrophages were isolated using Nycodenz density gradient centrifugation.
- Mononuclear cells from venous blood were cultured to produce similar cells.
- Xylene application to sheep skin was used to induce changes in cell numbers.
Main Results:
- Dendritic macrophages were successfully isolated from lymph.
- Culturing blood mononuclear cells yielded very small numbers of dendritic cells.
- Xylene application increased dendritic cell numbers in sheep lymph five-fold.
- These cells expressed class II histocompatibility antigens and immunoglobulins.
- In vitro, dendritic cells showed limited phagocytosis of latex beads but were highly effective at phagocytosing T4 phage and influenza viruses.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral lymph dendritic cells are distinct immune cells with specific phagocytic capabilities.
- Their numbers can be modulated by external stimuli.
- They demonstrate a potent ability to internalize viruses and bacteriophages, suggesting a key role in pathogen surveillance and clearance.