Human spleen contains phenotypic subsets of macrophages and dendritic cells that occupy discrete microanatomic locations.

Macrophages (M phi s) are an important component of the immune response and mediate numerous other functions. Phenotypic and functional subsets of circulating monocytes have been described, but few similar studies have analyzed M phi s in human tissues. By use of immunohistochemical techniques and a large number of monoclonal antibodies, the presence and distribution of phenotypic subpopulations of M phi s and dendritic cells in human spleen were assessed. The results of this study show that different subsets of M phi s and dendritic cells are present in the spleen and that some of these occupy discrete microanatomic locations. In the red pulp (RP) certain groups of antigens are expressed by different proportions of uniformly distributed M phi s in the cords. On the other hand, some antigens are present on M phi s that form clusters of variable size within the red pulp. M phi s in the splenic marginal zone (MZ) share some antigens with red pulp M phi s, but in addition express CR3, Mo-2, 61D3, and 63D3. These antigens are found on only a few RP M phi s. MZ cells expressing one antigen shared with RP M phi s (Leu-3a,b) and one present largely on the MZ cells (63D3) form clusters around small vessels; these structures resemble the so-called splenic ellipsoids that may play a role in the trapping of circulating antigens. Phagocytic M phi s (tingible body M phi s) of the white pulp follicular germinal centers were also shown to differ from RP and MZ cels with respect to the expression of the antigens detected by anti-FcR, Leu-M3, Mo-2, 25F9, and anti-CR3. The unique topographical and surface antigenic features of dendritic cells were confirmed by this study. Furthermore, these cells were found to share a number of antigens with RP, MZ, and white pulp M phi s, which suggests that they may be derived from a common progenitor. The presence of phenotypic subpopulations and variation in distribution among human splenic phagocytic cells and dendritic cells may be indicative of functional specialization.     

Ontogenic development of macrophage subpopulations and Ia-positive dendritic cells in fetal and neonatal rat spleen.

Development, differentiation, and distribution of macrophage subpopulations and Ia+ dendritic cells in the fetal and neonatal rat spleen were investigated by means of double immunohistochemical staining and immunoelectron microscopy. To characterize these cell populations, a panel of anti-rat macrophage monoclonal antibodies (RM-1, ED2, ED3, TRPM-3, Ki-M2R) and an anti-rat Ia antibody (OX6) were used. In the fetal rat spleen, macrophages were first detected by RM-1 at fetal day 15. ED2+ and/or Ki-M2R+ macrophages appeared at fetal day 16. TRPM-3+ and/or ED3+ macrophages appeared a day later. During the fetal and neonatal development, ED2+ and TRPM-3+ macrophages differentiated independently, maturing into red pulp macrophages and marginal metallophilic and marginal zone macrophages respectively. Intimate topographical relations were observed between ED2+ macrophages and hematopoietic cells and between TRPM-3+ macrophages and marginal zone lymphocytes. Ia+ cells were first observed around arterioles at fetal day 15. In the fetal and neonatal period, the number of Ia+ cells gradually increased, their shape became dendritic, and they matured into interdigitating cells in the inner periarteriolar lymphatic sheath. In ontogeny, Ia+ dendritic cells were not stained with ED2 or TRPM-3. These results suggest that ED2+ macrophages, TRPM-3+ macrophages, and Ia+ dendritic cells are distinct cell lines that pursue independent developmental process in spleen ontogeny.     

Species variation in the structure and function of the marginal zone—an electron microscope study of cat spleen

The marginal zone in the cat spleen consisted of a characteristic mixture of lymphocytes and other blood cells located mainly between the several layers of circumferential reticulum around white pulp. A region of fine-meshed reticulum between white pulp and red pulp, as present in some species, was absent from the cat spleen. Arterial capillaries to the marginal zone were few. Some were continuations of white pulp capillaries, whereas others were red pulp capillaries that likely were continuations of axial capillaries of periarterial macrophage sheaths (PAMS) (ellipsoids). Blood cells deposited in the marginal zone could reach red pulp by passing through the numerous openings in each layer of circumferential reticulum. Lymphocytes appeared to migrate across the marginal zone both toward and away from white pulp. Macrophages lying on the circumferential reticulum of the marginal zone phagocytized cells but did not ingest Thorotrast, although it coated their surfaces. Because of the scarcity of arterial endings and the lack of a macrophage-charged reticular meshwork, the marginal zone in cat spleen is not a major site of blood clearance and phagocytosis. These functions are better served in PAMS and red pulp.     

Localization in the rat spleen of carbon-laden macrophages introduced into the splenic artery: a subpopulation of macrophages entering the white pulp

Heavily carbon-laden (HC) macrophages, largely derived from the red pulp of the donor spleen, were injected into the splenic artery of recipient rats. Immediately after injection, HC macrophages were found only in the marginal sinus and in the splenic cords. With time after injection, they appeared successively at the periphery of the white pulp, in the deeper white pulp, and finally in and near the germinal centers, suggesting migration of HC macrophages from the marginal sinus towards the germinal centers. The number of HC macrophages in and near the germinal centers reached a peak at 12 h. Most of the HC macrophages in the white pulp were spherical or ovoid in shape with a diameter of 7-11 microns in sections, having an eccentric round or oval nucleus often with a distinct nucleolus and a cap-like or horseshoe-like cytoplasm filled with carbon. When immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against rat macrophage subpopulations, more than 90% of HC macrophages in the white pulp were found to be ED1+2-3-. A population of the same type of macrophages, both in morphology and phenotype, were found in the red pulp of the donor spleen. They were different from the major residents, red pulp scavenger macrophages, which were ED1+2+3- and larger in size and irregular in shape. These results suggest the presence of a distinct subpopulation of macrophages which actively migrate into the splenic white pulp including the germinal centers. A discharge of transferred macrophages from the red pulp to the general circulation is also suggested.     

Analysis of rat hemopoietic cells using monoclonal antibodies

Rat hemopoietic cells were analyzed with immunohistochemical technique, binding inhibition assay and flow cytometer using a monoclonal antibody (UB-12) to rat fetal liver hemopoietic cells. UB-12 positive cells were recognized in only red pulp but not in white pulp of spleen. The number and fluorescence intensity of UB-12 positive cells in spleen appeared to reach to peak at 6 weeks old occupying about 60 to 70% of total cells in red pulp. On the other hand, OX-7 (anti-Thy-1) positive and W3/13 (anti-leuko-sialoglycoprotein) positive cells were found in both red and white pulp, but not in marginal zone of spleen. UB-12 antigen was found on the surface of the cells only in the early stages of hemopoiesis: relatively large nuclei of UB-12 positive cells were rich in heterochromatin. There were a large number of free-ribosomes and some mitochondria in cytoplasm, and a centriole was observed in cytoplasm at some sections of UB-12 positive cells. From the EPICS analysis of adult rat bone marrow cells using UB-12, OX-7 and W3/13 monoclonal antibodies, the percent of UB-12, OX-7 and W3/13 positive cells was 82%, i.e., 18% was negative from these monoclonal antibodies. UB-12 single positive, OX-7 single positive and W3/13 single positive cells were 7%, 7% and 47%, respectively. The percent of triple positive cells with these antibodies was about 2%.     

Lymphocyte migration in the spleen: the effect of macrophage elimination.

To study the influence of macrophages on the migration and distribution of lymphocytes in the spleen, macrophages were eliminated from the spleen of mice by injection of liposomes in which DMDP was encapsulated. This leads to an elimination of macrophages in both the red pulp and marginal zone of the spleen within 1-2 days. In these animals the distribution of lymphocytes was determined by transfer of either syngeneic fluoresceinated or Ly 5 congeneic cells. It was found that after elimination of the macrophages the number of lymphocytes immigrating into the spleen had decreased, although a comparable mode of compartimentalization was found with an initial localization in the marginal zone and a subsequent distribution into the white pulp. After this elimination spleen macrophage subsets return with different kinetics, and in this way the influence of the red pulp macrophages, the marginal zone macrophages and the marginal metallophilic macrophages on lymphocyte immigration and redistribution could be investigated. A quantitative decrease of immigration was still found when red pulp and marginal metallophilic macrophages had repopulated their compartments, but was only fully restored when the last population to repopulate the spleen after treatment with DMDP-liposomes, the marginal zone macrophages, had returned. Experiments with isolated T and B cells showed that the elimination of macrophages had a profound effect on the localization of B cells in the white pulp, whereas it hardly affected T cells.     

Monoclonal antibodies against mouse splenic stromal cells

A panel of rat monoclonal antibodies directed against mouse splenic stromal cells were isolated. These monoclonal antibodies were Immunohistochemically divided into four groups which reacted with non-lymphoid cells of the murine spleen; (1) in the white pulp, (11) at the marginal zone, (111) in the red pulp, and (IV) on the endothelium of splenic blood vessels. These monoclonal antibodies were studied Immunohistochemically In lymphoid organs by means of light and electron microscopy. Monoclonal antibodies SS-4 (group I) reacted with fibroblastic reticulum cells that were distributed only in the white pulp of the spleen and In the follicular areas of lymph nodes. The SS-4 staining cell, In clustered splenic stromal cells, formed colonies which Included a small number of Thy-1 positive lymphocytes. Therefore, we concluded that SS4 staining stromal cells comprise the lymphoid cornpartment. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies SS-1, SS-3 and SS-5 (group II) reacted with dendritic shaped cells in the marginal zone of the spleen. Examination of splenic extra-medullary hematopolesis in mice rescued by bone marrow transplantation after lethal irradiation revealed that SS-3 and SS-5 reacted with dendritic shaped stromal cells in clonal nodules of engrafted marrow in the red pulp. SS-3 and SS-5 staining cells could not be observed in physiologic hematopoiesis of non-transplanted mice. It was suggested that SS3 and SS-5 staining stromal cells are Involved in primitive hematopoiesls. Monoclonal antibodies SS2, SS-6 and SS-7 (group 111) mainly reacted with dendritic cells and macro-phages in the red pulp. Monoclonal antibodies SS-8 and SS-9 (group IV) reacted with endothelial cells of blood vessels and sinuses. These findings of heterogeneity in mouse splenic stromal cells are further evidence that specific micro-envlronments are composed by speclalired stromal cells.     

An image analysis strategy to determine the distribution of cell types in spleen sections.

An image analysis strategy was designed to objectively determine distribution patterns of cell types in spleen sections. The strategy was applied to rat spleen cryostat sections that were strained immunohistochemically by means of monoclonal antibodies against different populations of lymphocytes and macrophages. The strategy revealed three segments of the spleen beginning in the middle of a central arteriole and ending within the red pulp. In each of these segments, three consecutive zones were established: the white pulp, the marginal zone, and the red pulp. In each tissue section, three segments were selected starting in two different arterioles. Consequently, six segments were analysed in each section. Special software was used to calculate percentages of positive staining in all zones in each segment. Image analysis data for each monoclonal antibody tested correlated closely with microscopical observations. The proposed strategy allows objective quantification of lymphocyte and macrophage populations and their distribution patterns. It is an useful tool for studying imbalances in cell populations in the spleen due to immune challenges.     

Characterization and expression of H-21 region gene products on bone marrow-derived macrophages

Antigen-presenting macrophages (M phi) were derived from day 7 cultures of bone marrow stem cells using L cell conditioned medium. The adherent bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM phi) were 100% esterase-positive, 95% positive for C3 receptors, 93% positive for Fc receptors, and 95% actively phagocytic. Indirect immunofluorescence using anti-Ia monoclonal antibodies resulted in 60% Ia-positive BMM phi on day 7 of stem cell culture. BMM phi could stimulate mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) proliferation across an I-A subregion difference, but not across I-J subregion differences. This contrasted with splenic M phi which stimulated MLR proliferation across both an I-A and I-J subregion difference. The apparent lack of I-J subregion determinants on BMM phi correlated with their ability to function as antigen-presenting cells. In these experiments, BMM phi effectively reconstituted the trinitrophenyl-specific IgM plaque-forming cell (PFC) response of B cells but not the primary burro red blood cell (BRBC)-specific IgM-PFC response of M phi-depleted spleen cells. When BMM phi were added to BRBC-primed T and B cells, they reconstituted the secondary IgG PFC response to levels obtained using splenic M phi. These experiments relate the differential expression of H-21 region determinants on antigen-presenting cells with their functional capacity.     

The role of macrophages in the immunoadjuvant action of liposomes: effects of elimination of splenic macrophages on the immune response against intravenously injected liposome-associated albumin antigen.

The primary antibody response to intravenously administered and liposome-associated human serum albumin (HSA) was studied in mice under conditions where no response could be detected against the non-liposome-associated form of the antigen. The positive response against the antigen, entrapped in and/or exposed on the surfaces of liposomes, thus resulted from the adjuvant action of the liposomes. In mice intravenously injected with dichloromethylene diphosphonate (C12MDP) also entrapped in liposomes, all red pulp macrophages, marginal metallophilic macrophages and marginal zone macrophages had disappeared from the spleen 2 days after administration. Twenty-two days after such a treatment red pulp macrophages and marginal metallophilic macrophages had reappeared, but marginal zone macrophages were still absent. In mice injected with liposome-associated HSA at 2 days after treatment with the C12MDP liposomes, anti-HSA responses were severely depressed, but administration of the liposome-associated antigen 22 days after C12MDP liposomes elicited a normal response. These results point to a role of splenic macrophages in the processing of liposome-associated antigens, but marginal zone macrophages, which are located close to the open ends of the white pulp capillaries and thus are the first macrophages to meet the antigens arriving in the marginal zone are not required.     

Adoptive transfer of fluorescence-labeled cells shows that resident peritoneal macrophages are able to migrate into specialized lymphoid organs and inflammatory sites in the mouse

We have examined the migration of murine macrophages from the vascular compartment to normal and inflammatory tissues by the adoptive transfer of resident peritoneal macrophages (RPM phi) fluorescently labeled with the hydrophobic dye 1,1'-dioctadecyl 3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI). After initial labeling of the plasma membrane of RPM phi, the dye accumulated stably in intracellular vesicles of low density (rho = 1.042-1.045 kg/l) and cells remained viable in culture for 4 weeks. Like the normal monocyte, DiI-RPM phi, but not exudate-derived or fixed cells, migrated to peritoneal exudates, following i.v. adoptive transfer, by a mechanism inhibitable by an antibody to the type 3 complement receptor. In the absence of an inflammatory stimulus there was no migration to the peritoneal cavity, and DiI-RPM phi accumulated within 4 h in the red pulp and marginal zone of the spleen. By day 6 these cells still formed a tight ring of fluorescence in the marginal zone alone, outside the marginal metallophil cells. DiI-RPM phi injected into the peritoneal cavity migrated to the parathymic lymph nodes where they were found in the subcapsular sinus and in the medullary cords, whereas very few fluorescent cells could be found in the T cell areas. The migration of RPM phi to lymphoid organs required viable cells but, unlike the recruitment of cells to peritoneal exudates, was not inhibitable by antibodies to CR3. We conclude that the RPM phi is a useful surrogate for the analysis of constitutive and induced monocyte migration to secondary lymphoid and inflammatory sites, respectively.     

口服Ag85A DNA疫苗表达产物在脾脏的分布

目的 检测口服Ag85A DNA疫苗表达产物在脾脏内的分布,为阐明口服DNA疫苗可诱导全身性免疫应答的机制提供依据。方法 将本实验室构建的pCDNA3．1^＋-Ag85A真核表达重组质粒转化感受态大肠杆菌DH5α进行扩增,无内毒素抽提纯化,进一步用脂质体包裹制成口服重组Ag85A DNA疫苗。将C57BL／6小鼠随机分为2组,即生理盐水组和DNA疫苗组。分别将生理盐水和Ag85A DNA疫苗以灌胃方式投给各组小鼠,共免疫3次,每次间隔14d,末次免疫后14d处死小鼠,取脾,免疫组化、免疫荧光法检测Ag85A表达产物在脾脏的分布情况。结果 Ag85A重组DNA疫苗的表达产物在小鼠脾脏白髓、边缘区和红髓的脾索处有广泛分布,在边缘区及红髓的脾索处的检出强度高于白髓。免疫组化结果中边缘区与白髓比较t=3．039,P〈0．05;红髓的脾索与白髓比较t=3．068,P〈0．05;边缘区与红髓的脾索比较t=1．750,P〉0．05。免疫荧光结果中边缘区与白髓比较t=3．144,P〈0．05;红髓的脾索与白髓比较t=3．098,P〈0．05;边缘区与红髓的脾索比较t=1．369,P〉0．05。结论口服脂质体包裹的DNA疫苗的表达产物存在于脾脏,表明经口途径接种的DNA疫苗可能会在脾脏诱导全身性免疫应答的产生。     

Marginal zone of the spleen and the development and localization of specific antibody-forming cells against thymus-dependent and thymus-independent type-2 antigens.

In order to study the precise localization pattern of anti-TNP antibody-forming cells (AFCs) during the early primary immune response against TNP conjugated TD (thymus-dependent) and TI-2 (thymus-independent type-2) antigens, rats received an intravenous injection with either TNP-keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) or with TNP-Ficoll. Anti-TNP AFCs developed in the spleen already at 2 days after injection of the antigens as demonstrated with our immunoenzyme technique for the detection of specific AFCs. In order to obtain information on the relationship between the non-lymphoid cells in the marginal zone (MZ) and the localization of AFCs, simultaneous staining for marginal metallophils and MZ macrophages (MZM) was performed using the monoclonal antibody ED3. AFCs were not found in the marginal zone (MZ), but the bulk of the cells in the white pulp were found in the outer part of the periarteriolar lymphocyte sheaths (PALS) close to the border between PALS and MZ. The precise localization of the anti-TNP AFCs in the outer part of the PALS resembled the localization of marginal metallophils but the latter cells were mainly present in the outer part of the follicles. So, the present results did not indicate a close relationship between marginal zone macrophages or marginal metallophils and anti-TNP AFCs, neither in the immune response to TD antigens nor in that to T1-2 antigens.     

Lymphocyte circulation in the spleen: Marginal zone bridging channels and their possible role in cell traffic

Histological evidence is presented for distinct, anatomically determined pathways in the spleen for cells in transit between the white pulp and the red pulp prior to entering the draining veins. In rats and mice these appear as narrow channels of lymphocytes which run between both the periarteriolar lymphatic sheath and the red pulp sinuses, and the peripheral white pulp and the red pulp sinuses, crossing the marginal zone in association with fine argentophilic fibres. These marginal zone bridging channels were found to contain labelled T or B cells 4 and 8 hours after injection which suggested that transit was occurring in the direction from white pulp to red pulp rather than the reverse.

Additional histological evidence is given to suggest that, after antigenic stimulation, germinal centre dissociation occurs by release of the germinal centre cells towards the periarteriolar lymphatic sheath before they are shed into the red pulp through marginal zone bridges occurring in the periarteriolar region.

The data are incorporated into a scheme of unidirectional lymphoid cell flow through the spleen. This proposes that the spleen is composed of many functionally discrete units in which the anatomical matrix, reflected by the reticulin fibre pattern, plays a major role. It further implies that the periarteriolar region of the spleen is not totally thymus dependent.

     

Phagocytosis and lymphocyte migration: evidence that lymphocyte trapping in the spleen following carbon injection is not due to direct lymphocyte-macrophage adherence.

The localization of intravenously injected labelled syngeneic lymphoid cells was studied in the spleen of mice and compared with the localization of Indian-ink-containing macrophages. To distinguish between Indian-ink-containing lysosomes of macrophages and silver grains formed in the autoradiographs over the radiolabelled cells, the latter grains were stained blue by a colour-coupling process. Labelled cells were injected 2 h after the Indian ink. Two hours after their injection the bulk of the labelled cells in the spleen was already localized in the white pulp. At this time the Indian ink had been ingested by macrophages in the marginal zone and to a somewhat lesser extent in the red pulp. Twenty-four hours after injection of the cells their concentration in the white pulp appeared constant or had decreased markedly, dependent on the source of the injected cells (spleen, lymph nodes or thymus). At this time carbon-containing macrophages were also found in the white pulp although they contained less carbon than macrophages in the marginal zone and red pulp. A positive correlation between labelled cells and carbon-containing macrophages was never seen in any part of the spleen. It is concluded that, if carbon-containing macrophages induce lymphocyte trapping, as has been supposed by other authors, this trapping must be mediated by the macrophages in an indirect way, e.g. by soluble mediator molecules released in the circulation.     

“Intermediate zone” of mammalian spleens: Light and electron microscopic study of three primitive mammalian species (platypus,shrew, and mole) with special reference to intrasplenic arteriovenous communication

The intermediate zone (IZ) of nonperfused and perfused spleens in three species of primitive mammals (shrew, mole, platypus) was studied morphologically. The IZ is a tissue zone consisting of plexiform vessels, probably venous capillaries, and is located transitionally between the white and red pulp. The IZ is separated from the white pulp by the arterial net (AN), in which the white pulp arteries terminate. Development of the IZ differs between the three species examined being distinctive in the platypus and shrew. The IZ is thin in the mole spleen. A closed type of arteriovenous (A-V) anastomosis was demonstrated in or around the IZ in the two Insectivora species examined. In the shrew spleen, peripheral arterial branches running within the IZ anastomose with the AN around the follicle. The AN anastomoses eventually with venous plexi-form vessels of the IZ around the nonfollicular area of the white pulp to form a closed system. In the mole spleen, A-V anastomoses were noted between white pulp arteries (follicular and AN) and veins of the red pulp, either by direct communication or through fenestrated IZ vessels compatible with the plexiform vessels of the shrew spleen. A-V anastomosis in the IZ is probable, but not confirmed, in the platypus spleen, as analysis was limited to a nonperfused specimen. Well-developed ellipsoids were noted around arterial terminals of the IZ in the shrew spleen. Ellipsoids were also noted around all arterial terminals of the mole spleen directed to the red pulp. Most ellipsoids of the mole spleen appeared located within the IZ. No ellipsoids were present around arterial terminals of the IZ in the platypus spleen. Closed circulation was noted in terminals of the pulp artery in spleens of all three species. All pulp arteries of the mole spleen are postellipsoid segments of white pulp (AN and follicle) arteries. No ellipsoids were found around terminals of the pulp artery (penicillar artery) in shrew and platypus spleens. The IZ is probably homologous to the perilymphatic sinusoid (vein) of the lungfish spleen and may be regarded as part of the red pulp. The IZ may be representative of primitive mammalian spleens that have closed circulation. The marginal zone (MZ) of common mammalian spllens is probably a modified IZ by differentiation (remodelling) of the intrasplenic vein. In this process, with drawal of venous vessels from the IZ occurrred, leaving a lymphoreticular zone with open circulation (MZ). The marginal sinus reported in some mammalian spleens is probably a modified AN formed durig this process. Possible morphological alterations of the spleen in vertebrate phylogeny are discussed.     

Normal structure, function, and histology of the spleen

The spleen is the largest secondary immune organ in the body and is responsible for initiating immune reactions to blood-borne antigens and for filtering the blood of foreign material and old or damaged red blood cells. These functions are carried out by the 2 main compartments of the spleen, the white pulp (including the marginal zone) and the red pulp, which are vastly different in their architecture, vascular organization, and cellular composition. The morphology of these compartments is described and, to a lesser extent, their functions are discussed. The variation between species and effects of aging and genetics on splenic morphology are also discussed.     

Effects of chronic injection of sphingomyelin-containing liposomes on lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells in the spleen. Transient suppression of marginal zone macrophages

Mice were injected with sphingomyelin/cholesterol or phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (PC/C) liposomes, from twice up to 10 times, on alternate days. Administration of sphingomyelin/cholesterol (SM/C) liposomes gave rise to hepato and splenomegaly, microgranulomatous infections and changes in macrophage numbers and activity in spleen and liver. Enzyme and immuno-cytochemical methods were used, to demonstrate the effect of liposomes on the lymphoid and non-lymphoid cell populations, on cryostat sections of the spleen. Routine histological staining, of sphingomyelin/cholesterol treated animals, showed no drastic changes in morphology or compartmentalization of the spleen, apart from a small enlargement (with some microgranulomas) of the red pulp. No significant differences were found in the presence or localization of T-helper, T-cytotoxic/suppressor, T-total-lymphocytes, B-total-lymphocytes, red pulp macrophages, marginal metallophils, or non-lymphoid dendritic cells. However, a transient suppression of cells expressing marginal zone macrophage surface marker ERTR-9, was observed between the second and eighth (intravenous) administration of sphingomyelin/cholesterol liposomes. Immunization of these animals with trinitrophenyl (TNP)-ficoll, a thymus-independent type-2 antigen which is specifically processed by marginal zone macrophages (MZM), showed that these cells were not suppressed with regard to their immunological function. We conclude that chronic administration of sphingomyelin liposomes influences macrophages, probably through a general phagocytic-system overload, but not permanent or damaging changes in splenic cell populations or immunological functions occur.     

Effects of chronic injection of sphingomyelin-containing liposomes on lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells in the spleen. Transient suppression of marginal zone macrophages.

Mice were injected with sphingomyelin/cholesterol or phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (PC/C) liposomes, from twice up to 10 times, on alternate days. Administration of sphingomyelin/cholesterol (SM/C) liposomes gave rise to hepato and splenomegaly, microgranulomatous infections and changes in macrophage numbers and activity in spleen and liver. Enzyme and immuno-cytochemical methods were used, to demonstrate the effect of liposomes on the lymphoid and non-lymphoid cell populations, on cryostat sections of the spleen. Routine histological staining, of sphingomyelin/cholesterol treated animals, showed no drastic changes in morphology or compartmentalization of the spleen, apart from a small enlargement (with some microgranulomas) of the red pulp. No significant differences were found in the presence or localization of T-helper, T-cytotoxic/suppressor, T-total-lymphocytes, B-total-lymphocytes, red pulp macrophages, marginal metallophils, or non-lymphoid dendritic cells. However, a transient suppression of cells expressing marginal zone macrophage surface marker ERTR-9, was observed between the second and eighth (intravenous) administration of sphingomyelin/cholesterol liposomes. Immunization of these animals with trinitrophenyl (TNP)-ficoll, a thymus-independent type-2 antigen which is specifically processed by marginal zone macrophages (MZM), showed that these cells were not suppressed with regard to their immunological function. We conclude that chronic administration of sphingomyelin liposomes influences macrophages, probably through a general phagocytic-system overload, but not permanent or damaging changes in splenic cell populations or immunological functions occur.