Differential regulation of leucocyte L-selectin (CD62L) expression in normal lymphoid and inflamed extralymphoid tissues.

Abstract

AIMS:

To study tissue expression of L-selectin, a leucocyte cell surface molecule that is considered to be involved in adhesion to certain endothelia, particularly in peripheral lymph nodes and during inflammation, and is shed upon leucocyte activation.

METHODS:

Leucocytes were examined by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining in various lymphoid sites and normal and inflamed extralymphoid tissues.

RESULTS:

L-selectin was present on mantle zone B lymphocytes in different lymphoid sites, including in intestinal lymphoid tissue, but was absent on germinal centre B cells. Splenic white pulp B cells also expressed L-selectin. The proportion of T lymphocytes expressing L-selectin depended on the site under study, being greatest in peripheral lymph nodes (mean 48% of T cells positive), and lower in mucosal lymphoid sites and spleen (9 and 11% positive, respectively). Non-lymphocytic L-selectin staining was observed on follicular dendritic cells in tonsils and on macrophages in thymus. L-selectin positive leucocytes were rare in normal extralymphoid tissues, and relatively few were seen in most inflammatory settings. However, in rejecting renal transplants, a higher proportion (30%) of leucocytes expressed L-selectin.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, the results indicate how the degree of L-selectin expression by leucocytes in particular tissues may reflect a requirement for L-selectin expression for entry into those tissues and the activation state of leucocytes once localised there.

• Authors: J M Munro, D M Briscoe, T F Tedder
• Journal: Journal of clinical pathology (J Clin Pathol) Vol. 49 Issue 9 Pg. 721-7 (Sep 1996) ISSN: 0021-9746 [Print] England
• PMID: 9038755 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• L-Selectin

Topics

• Appendicitis (metabolism)
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (metabolism)
• B-Lymphocytes (metabolism)
• Dermatitis (metabolism)
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Graft Rejection (metabolism)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Inflammation (metabolism)
• Kidney Transplantation
• L-Selectin (metabolism)
• Leukocytes (metabolism)
• Lymphoid Tissue (metabolism)
• T-Lymphocytes (metabolism)