A study of some histochemical and phagocytic reactions of the reticuloendothelial system of the rabbit spleen

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Abstract
Questions concerning the nature of the intermediary vascular pattern make up a considerable portion of the literature concerning splenic morphology. Evidence indicates there is a special association between the reticuloendothelial system (RES) and the intermediary capillary terminations. This study was undertaken to characterize the distribution of the RES in the rabbit spleen and to correlate this with the vascular pattern described by Snook ('58). Like cells of the RES throughout the animal body, splenic RE cells can be demonstrated by several histochemical and functional methods. They are metalophilic (argyrophilic), possess several hydrolytic enzymes, and phagocytose injected particulate matter. Cells demonstrated by these methods are found in the marginal zone, and in the lumen of the red pulp sinuses but most are localized in the red pulp cords. This distribution corresponds closely to the termination of arterial capillaries in the marginal zone and pulp cords in the rabbit spleen and supports the general hypothesis that there is a unique and intimate relationship between the vascular system and the RES at these points.The sinus lining cells react characteristically to the techniques employed. They are sporadically metalophilic, strongly positive for nonspecific esterase (endoplasmic reticulum), negative for acid phosphatase (lysosomal), and occasionally contain small particles of injected matter. They probably represent a functionally distinct cell population.