Expression of HLA-DR molecules and some other differentiation antigens within early human fetus
Trebichavský, I.; Nyklícek, O.
Folia Biologica 38(5): 269-276
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5500 PMID: 1478323 Document Number: 393823
Leukocyte membrane markers have been examined within cryostat sections and cell suspensions of human fetuses aged between 4 and 18 weeks of gestation using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. The HLA-DR molecule was present on a population of erythroid cells and macrophages in liver sinuses at 34 days and periarteriolar splenic macrophages at 60 days of gestation. CD5, CD15 and CD45 antigens were detected at 6 weeks of gestation, whereas CD4, CD8, CD10, CD11c, CD14 and IgM were not expressed at this stage. These findings and ultrastructural examination of embryonic liver confirm early differentiation of macrophages in the pre-lymphatic developmental period.