Structure of the human spleen and immunomorphologic indices of its lymphocytes during embryogenesis
Khlystova, Z.S.; Shmeleva, S.P.; Riabchikov, O.P.; Chuich, N.A.
Biulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny 92(12): 728-731
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0365-9615 PMID: 7034806 Document Number: 171222
The authors studied the development and differentiation of spleen lymphocytes and tissues from 100 human embryos aged 5-34 weeks. T-/E-RFC) and B lymphocytes (IgG plus G cells) were identified by histochemical and immunomorphological methods. The weight and quantitative values of the spleen and lymphocytes are presented. The development of the spleen consists of three periods: 1) an early one (5-8 weeks) when the organ is characterized by a compact arrangement of the mesenchymal cells; 2) 9-11 weeks, when blood deposition function prevails; 3) appearance of lymphopoiesis after 13-14 weeks. Heterogenicity of spleen lymphocytes and the time course of the quantitative changes during embryogenesis are reported. It is concluded that the humans spleen presents a polyfunctional organ even in the embryonal period.