Lymphocyte positions in the dome epithelium of the rabbit appendix

Abstract

The apico-basal distribution of lymphocytes within the epithelium covering the domes of lymphatic tissue in the wall of the rabbit appendix was investigated in single and serial sections stained either for general histology, for cytoplasmic basophilia and acidophilia, or for nonspecific esterase activity. From the base to the summit of a dome, four zones numbered proximo-distally 1-4 were distinguished. Epithelial cells migrate from base to summit, as indicated by mitotic figures in zone 1, the gradual change from cytoplasmic basophilia to acidophilia in zones 2 to 4, and visible extrusion of cells from zone 4 at the summit. Zone 1 was free of lymphocytes. Most of the lymphocytes in zone 2 were intercellular and randomly arranged, but a few in this zone were within tapered epithelial cells modified by a process extending basally to the basement membrane. Small numbers of these tapered epithelial cells also occurred in zone 3. The large clusters of ten to 12 lymphocytes that characterized zone 3 were intercellular and impinged the apical regions of epithelial cells. Serial sections at the level of the distal cluster of zone 3 showed lymphocytes located also more basally, and some of these lymphocytes appeared to be passing through the basement membrane back into the lymphoid tissue of the dome. Epithelium of zone 4 over the distal surface of a dome was largely free of lymphocytes. Apparently most infiltrating lymphocytes form intercellular clusters and then return to the subepithelial lymphatic tissue.