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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Isolating And Immunostaining Lymphocytes and Dendritic Cells from Murine Peyer's Patches
Published on: March 17, 2013
Peyer's patches epithelium in the rat: a morphological, immunohistochemical, and morphometrical study
P Onori1, A Franchitto, R Sferra
1Department of Experimental Medicine, Human & Clinical Anatomy, State University of L'Aquila, Italy.
Insights
Morphological studies of rat Peyer's patch epithelium suggest that distinct M cells may not exist. Instead, enterocytes exhibit dynamic changes related to their function and cell cycle.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Peyer's patch epithelium contains specialized cells, including M cells, involved in immune surveillance.
- The distinct identity of M cells based on morphology and markers remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological and biochemical characteristics of M cells in rat Peyer's patches.
- To resolve the controversy regarding distinct M cell markers.
Main Methods:
- Light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL assay, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
- Morphometric analysis of microvillus density, length, and lysosome number.
- Examination of rat Peyer's patch epithelium.
Main Results:
- Peyer's patch epithelium consists of dome epithelium (DE) with enterocytes and scarce goblet cells.
- DE cells displayed varied morphology, but differences in microvillus and lysosome characteristics were not significant across the dome.
- Enterocytes with altered microvilli were observed in close proximity to lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Morphological criteria do not support the existence of distinct enterocytes and M cells in rat Peyer's patch DE.
- Enterocyte variations likely reflect dynamic morphofunctional modifications related to functional state or cell cycle.
Abstract:
The epithelial layer covering lymphoid follicles of Peyer's patches consists of cells with a different surface morphology. Some of these cells have been described as a distinct cytotype, the so-called M cells. In order to resolve the controversy on the specific morphological and biochemical markers of M cells, structural, ultrastructural, and morphometrical study of the epithelium covering the rat Peyer's patches were performed. Peyer's patches from healthy rats were processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, in situ nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A morphometric study was also performed to evaluate microvillus density, length, and number of lysosomes in different areas of the epithelium. Peyer's patches were covered by simple columnar/cubical dome epithelium (DE). Scarce goblet cells and a large number of enterocytes were observed. Ultrastructural observations revealed that the DE showed cells with different morphology. The density and length of microvilli and the lysosome number varied along the whole dome without significant differences. The DE cells characterized by short and disorganized microvilli appeared always in close spatial relationship with lymphocytes. In conclusion, the concept that distinct cell types (enterocytes and M cells) can be identified in the rat DE does not appear to be valid based on morphological criteria. It seems correct to consider that in rat Peyer's patches the presence of scarce goblet cells and a large number of enterocytes showing dynamic morphofunctional modifications is related to the functional state and/or to cell cycle.
