Dendritic cell identification in head and neck lymphoid tissue. Newly recognized cells control T-lymphocyte functions

• Published in: Archives of otolaryngology (1960) Vol. 110; no. 11; p. 701
• Main Authors: Richtsmeier, W J, Bowers, W E, Ellsworth, C A, Sorge, K, Berkowitz, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.1984
• Subjects: Animals; Cells, Cultured; Culture Media; Galactose Oxidase - pharmacology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - immunology; Humans; Interferon-gamma - biosynthesis; Lymphoid Tissue - immunology; Lymphoid Tissue - ultrastructure; Lymphokines - biosynthesis; Mice; Palatine Tonsil - cytology; Palatine Tonsil - immunology; Periodic Acid - pharmacology; Rats; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - physiology; Tonsillitis - immunology; Tonsillitis - pathology
• ISSN: 0003-9977
• DOI: 10.1001/archotol.1984.00800370003001

The physiologic measurements of a subpopulation of mononuclear cells derived from head and neck lymphoid tissues are similar to those of dendritic cells are described. Dendritic cells are a subpopulation of bone marrow-derived leukocytes that were originally identified in rodents and now described in man as having central control of T-lymphocyte functions. We describe a technique for the enrichment of dendritic cells obtained from tonsils utilizing a bovine serum albumin (BSA) gradient and note that they have the light and electron microscopic appearance of dendritic cells. The measured oxidative mitogenic response and interferon-gamma production in complete leukocyte cultures was compared with BSA gradient-separated preparations. The denser cells, comprised mostly of normal appearing lymphocytes, would not undergo a mitogenic response nor produce normal amounts of interferon when stimulated unless the dendritic cell-rich, less-dense fraction, was added back. The dendritic cells derived from tonsils seem to behave as a potent accessory cell for these T-lymphocyte-associated functions.