CYTOTOXIC-T CELLS IN SMALL-INTESTINE EPITHELIAL, LAMINA PROPRIA AND LUNG LYMPHOCYTES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (2) , 367-371
Abstract
The development of specific cytotoxic T cell activity in the lungs and the epithelium and lamina propria of the small intestine was examined in mice following tumor cell [mouse mastocytoma P-815] inoculation by s.c. or i.p. routes. After an i.p. injection of tumor cells, large amounts of cytotoxic activity are detectable in the lungs and lamina propria. In comparison, the epithelial lymphocytes of the small intestine display low cytotoxic activity. After a s.c. injection, little cytotoxicity is detectable except in the lungs; the development of such cytotoxicity has a much shorter time course compared with that induced by an i.p. inoculation of tumor cells. A marked difference in the functional capacity of lymphocytes from the epithelium and lamina propria of the small intestine was indicated.