The lymphoid follicles of the human palatine tonsil
Curran, R.C.; Jones, E.L.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 31(2): 251-259
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 417886 Document Number: 136483
The distribution of immunoglobulin (Ig) in the lymphoid follicles of the human palatine tonsil was re-examined by applying the unlabeled antibody peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) sequence and a 2-stage fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) technique to trypsinized paraffin sections and cryostat sections. Large numbers of cells containing Ig were demonstrated in the follicle centers, with .gamma., .mu., .delta. and .alpha. H chains being present. Cells containing .kappa. and .lambda. chains were found in all follicle centers, a finding incompatible with the monoclonality of the centers. Extracellular Ig (.gamma., .alpha., .mu. and .delta. H chains, .kappa. and .lambda. L chains) was also present in the follicle centers. The lymphocytes of the mantle (zone C) appeared to have .mu. and .delta. chains (and .kappa. and .lambda. chains) on their surface, and were considered to be immature B [bone marrow-derived] cells. These cells probably constituted a pool of B memory cells. Trypsinized paraffin sections proved superior to cryostat sections for the demonstration of intracellular Ig, but the reverse was true for surface Ig. Extracellular Ig was equally evident in both types of sections. The metalophil method of Marshall revealed dendritic histiocytes in the follicle center and lymphocyte mantle (zones B and C). The follicles were supplied by 1 or more prominent arterioles, around which the dendritic cells were located, an arrangement which may function as a 'traffic area' for trapping circulating B cells on the antigen-bearing dendritic cells.