LYMPHOID ANTIGENIC DETERMINANTS OF CHICKEN - CELLULAR REPRESENTATION AND TISSUE LOCALIZATION

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 34  (1) , 9-17
Abstract
Antisera were prepared against a variety of chicken tissues to detect antigens specific for subpopulations of T [thymus-derived] and B [bursa-derived] cells at different maturation stages. By appropriate absorption analysis, the following antigens were defined: thymus organ-specific antigen (CTOA); T lymphocyte-specific antigen (CTLA); B lymphocyte-specific antigen (CBLA); mature B lymphocyte-specific antigen (CMBLA); a fetal-associated antigen (CFAA) present on embryonic hemopoietic cells, and adult bone marrow and immature bursa cells, suggesting the cell types concerned may be at an early stage of development, possibly including precursors. For comparison with the above antigens, cells were also examined for surface Ig [immunoglobulin] and IgG. T cells were found in periarteriolar sheaths in the spleen, and predominantly in the sub-epithelium and sub-mucosa of the cecal tonsil of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). B cells were localized in periellipsoidal sheaths and germinal centers in the spleen, and in primary follicles or germinal centers in the GALT. The thymic and bursal medullas contained the mature populations of T and B lymphocytes, respectively.