The Host Component of the Popliteal Lymph Node Graft-Versus-Host (GVH) Reaction
Identification of cells in the node and kinetics of cell proliferation
Institute of Physiology
Anatomical Institute
We would like to thank Mr. Eric Toogood and Mrs. Maria Ulstrup for valuable technical assistance, Mrs. Evelyn Pettersen and Mrs. Liv Dale for making excellent sections for autoradiography. Bent Rolstad was supported by grants from the Norwegian Research Council for Science and the Humanities, and from Anders Jahre's Foundation for the promotion of Science.
Abstract
The cellular composition of rat popliteal lymph nodes undergoing a GVH reaction was examined. The great majority of cells isolated from the nodes were lymphocytes, while the contribution of phagocytic cells was negligible (<5%). Both T and B cells were present in GVH nodes. However, the proportion of B cells was higher than in normal lymph nodes (40–50% vs 30%).
Cells synthesizing DNA were enumerated autoradiographically in sections of GVH nodes up to day 7 of the response. A significant increase in the proportion of 3H thymidine labelled cells had already been found on the third day of the GVH response, before lymph node enlargement was apparent. Of the differnt days tested a maximum of 6% labelled cells was found on day 7. Liquid scintillation counting of cell suspension from such nodes showed an even higher increase in 3H thymidine incorporation in GVH vs normal nodes. These findings indicate that cell proliferation is a central mechanism behind the lymph node enlargement.
