RESPONSE OF INTESTINAL GLOBULE LEUKOCYTES IN THE MOUSE DURING A TRICHINELLA-SPIRALIS INFECTION AND ITS INDEPENDENCE OF INTESTINAL MAST-CELLS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 60  (3) , 246-251
Abstract
Intestinal mast cells represent a separate population of mast cells which is thymus (T)-dependent. The appearance of these cells may be dependent on T-dependent antibodies or thymus serum factor(s). The response of intestinal mast cells and globule leukocytes to a T. spiralis infection was studied in congenitally athymic (nude) mice after treatment with specific anti-T. spiralis hyperimmune serum or normal mouse serum from thymus-bearing littermates. Transfer of both types of serum did not lead to an intestinal mast cell response. The presence of an intact thymus or T-dependent cellular reactions and/or their products are essential for appearance of intestinal mast cells. Infected athymic mice reacted with a minor response of globule leukocytes irrespective of the serum transfer. Occasionally metachromatic intra-epithelially located cells with toluidine blue-positive granules, possibly globule leukocytes, showed mitotic figures. Metachromatic cells were observed occasionally within the lumen of the gut. The globule leukocyte may be a cell sui generis and independent of the intestinal mast cell.