Functional structure in lymphoepithelial cooperation.

Abstract

With the help of electron microscopic investigations the morphological and functional connection of the epithelialial and lymphoid elements was examined in the lymphoepithelial organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius, tonsils, Peyer's patches, gland of Harder). In all these organs special receptor cells were demonstrated, which may play a role in the uptake and transfer of the antigen. In the cytoplasm they all contain characteristic flattened vacuoles, with walls similar to the structure of the cell membrane. Formation of these bodies is identified with the striated bodies of micropinocytosis vermiformis and it was observed that the endocytosis start with a disintegration of the cell membrane which enters with the absorbed antigen in characteristic form into the cytoplasm of the epithel cell and induces the process of cellular immunity. Besides the function of lacrimal secretion the Harder's gland, as a lymphoepithelial organ is full of plasma cells, which constitutes the main lymphoid elements of this organ.