BRONCHIAL LYMPHO-EPITHELIAL NODULES IN RAT - DEFINITION AND MORPHOLOGICAL-CHARACTERISTICS IN OPTICAL AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 24  (9) , 609-613
Abstract
Among the bronchial lymphoid tissue, lympho-epithelial nodules are an original component, easily distinguished from other structures, particularly from lymphoid cell infiltrates. Such structures are encountered in many species and may be characterized as follows: they contain flattened epithelium; they demonstrate few ciliated cells; they are devoid of mucus producing cells; and they are permeated with lymphocytes. Intercellular and intracellular vacuoles are described in the lympho-epithelium and the underlying mucosa. EM studies showed that lymphoepithelium has a trapping function for particulate matter. Peripheral lymphatic vessels and high endothelium veins contribute to the important lymphocyte transfer. The capacity for antigenic recognition by the lymphoepithelial nodule is discussed.

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