High endothelial venules of the rat lymph node. A review and a question: Is their activity antigen specific?

摘要: Background The high endothelial venules (HEVs) of the lymph nodes are sites for transvascular lymphocyte traffic. Due mostly to wide scale variations manifested by HEVs and frequently restricted conditions observation, reports often differed on their morphological or functional features, which has led opposing views aspects functioning HEVs. Methods In present review, we analyze previous attempt derive comprehensive proposals reconcile in actual observations under diverse conditions. Results This analysis shows that features typical HEV cells (HEV cells) stimulated emerge antigens proper lymphocytes mediators. The stimulation would implicate drained migrating perivascular channel, immediately cuffing an HEV's endothelium. A marked pleomorphism betrays fact they undergo individual a somewhat heterogeneous activity. Other facts indicate subendothelial spaces interactions between lymphocytes, cells, recruited blood lymphocytes. Facts also reveal time- site-related intensity recruitment topographically related nature cells. Conclusions Analysis some other observations, ignored, lead conclusion sake participating local specific immune activities is antigen specific, despite implication homing receptors © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.