Studies on the perifollicular region of the rat's spleen

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Abstract
A marginal sinus, formed by the anastomosed terminations of white pulp capillaries, bounds the inner edge of the marginal zone. The endothelial lining on the nodular surface is complete. Pores appear along the lateral aspect thus allowing blood to pass freely into the interstices of the marginal zone. A dense aggregation of Marshall's metalophil cells occurs in the region of the marginal sinus. Such cells are lacking in the marginal zone.Intravenous injections of particulate matter were used to determine the course of blood flow and phagocytic potential. Ten minutes after injections, particles were found to be dispersed among the cells of the marginal zone. None were found in the marginal metalophils. In four hours the particles had cleared the marginal zone and were within red pulp macrophages. In a few rats, the marginal metalophils reacted positively to tests for iron. It is concluded that marginal metalophils represent a large reserve of potential phagocytes situated at a point where blood first leaves capillaries to enter tissue interstices.