The circulatory behaviour of normal and enzyme altered thymocytes in rats.

  • 1 May 1970
    • journal article
    • Vol. 18  (5) , 681-91
Abstract
The circulation of rat thymocytes and factors which may control their pathway were studied. Evidence was obtained that intravenously infused thymocytes migrate from blood to spleen and lymph nodes in a manner similar to lymphocytes, though in lesser amounts. Thymocytes, incubated with neuraminidase prior to intravenous infusion, exhibit markedly altered cell migration. Enzyme-treated thymocytes concentrate in the liver with little accumulation in the spleen. Subsequently, however, small numbers of cells migrate to lymph nodes. Trypsin treatment does not alter the migratory pathway of thymocytes. The results suggest that thymocytes migrate from blood to peripheral lymphoid tissue and that sugar constituents may determine the circulatory pathway.