Does the availability of either B cells or CD4+ cells limit germinal centre formation?

摘要: To determine whether the availability of either B cells or T regulates number and size germinal centres observed following antigenic challenge, irradiated PVG rats were reconstituted with limiting numbers thoracic duct (with excess cells) CD4+ sufficient cells). Germinal centre formation was measured histologically in spleens 7 days after immunization 2 x 10(9) sheep erythrocytes (at height reaction). Although reconstitution antigen alone, thymocytes produced no centres, saturating on order for normal, non-irradiated only 10(7) 5 10(6) cells. minimally also comparable to those normal rats. Reconstitution 4 lymphocytes (including cells, as well CD8+ 10(8) led centres. It is concluded therefore that (i) are T-cell contribution required formation, (ii) some factor other than normally limits formation.