Lymph node macrophages after application of glucan in calves: an electron microscopical study

The present study was designed to reveal by electron microscopy the dynamics of degradation processes of glucan after phagocytosis in the lymph nodes. A soluble form of glucan at a dosage of 50 mg/kg body weight induced a distinct phagocytic activity. On day 7, after stimulation of the lymph nodes, glucan was gradually degraded through fibrillar, particular components, and finally into a light microscopically invisible content. The ingestive capacity of macrophages was higher compared to phagocytic ability of the sinus-lining and reticular cells. On day 30, after stimulation, the lymph nodes indicated restoration of the architecture of their medullary pulp.