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Histological study of conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue in mouse
Tohru Sakimoto1, Jun Shoji, Noriko Inada
1Department of Ophthalmology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) was identified in mouse nictitating membranes. This lymphoid tissue responds to antigen challenge, indicating its role in ocular immune surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Histology
Background:
- The presence and function of conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in mice remain incompletely understood.
- CALT is crucial for initiating immune responses in the ocular surface.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological characteristics of conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in the mouse conjunctiva.
- To determine the response of conjunctival lymphoid tissue to antigen challenge.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of conjunctival tissue from normal mice (4-6 weeks old) using hematoxylin-eosin staining.
- Topical application of ovalbumin and cholera toxin B to induce an antigen challenge.
- Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-CD4, anti-CD8, and anti-S-100 antibodies.
Main Results:
- Follicular lymphoid tissue was identified on the mouse nictitating membrane.
- Antigen challenge led to an increase in the size and number of these follicular areas.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of CD4+, CD8+, and S-100+ cells within the follicular tissue, including CD4+ cells in intra-epithelial pockets.
Conclusions:
- The follicular tissue located on the mouse nictitating membrane represents conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT).
- This CALT exhibits characteristics of immune surveillance and responds to topical antigen exposure.
Purpose:
To investigate conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in the mouse conjunctiva by histological methods.
Methods:
The presumed follicular tissue in the conjunctiva of normal mice, age ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, was histologically investigated by the hematoxylin-eosin staining method. Next, we treated the mice with topical instillation of a combined solution of ovalbumin and cholera toxin B to investigate the morphological changes of conjunctival follicles to antigen challenge. The treated mice underwent sequential clinical examinations, and the conjunctival follicular tissue was examined by an immunohistochemical method using anti-CD4 antibody, anti-CD8 antibody, and anti-S-100 antibody.
Results:
Follicular tissue was present on the mouse nictitating membrane. Both size and number of follicular tissue areas increased with topical ovalbumin treatment. Immunohistochemical study revealed CD4, CD8, and S-100 positive cells in the follicular tissue. The epithelial layer, corresponding to follicular tissue, demonstrated intra-epithelial pocket and the presence of CD4-positive cells in the intra-epithelial pocket.
Conclusion:
Follicular tissue at the nictitating membrane is CALT in the mouse.