Plasma Cells Expressing Immunoglobulins M and A but not Immunoglobulin G Develop an Intimate Relationship with Central Canal Epithelium in the Harderian Gland of the Chicken

Abstract

In the Harderian gland of the chicken, the epithelial and plasma cell relationships were studied by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemical methods. In the wall of the central canal a dark epithelial cell was identified that had long branching cell processes. An anticytokeratin monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the dark cells provided an extremely large contact area for the plasma cells. Although IgM-, IgG-, and IgA-producing plasma cells were present in the Harderian gland, only IgM- and IgA-positive cells were capable of a distinct relationship with dark epithelial cells. The surface of the primary branches contained scattered IgA deposits whereas the epithelial cells of the secondary branches possessed IgA along the lateral cell membrane but not on the surface. Anti-IgA and anti-cytokeratin antibodies produced a similar staining pattern in the acini and secondary branches. Taken together, these observations suggest that IgA secretion is a function of secondary branches and that intracellular transport is influenced by the cytoskeletal system.

Ultrastructure of plasma cells in harderian gland of laying hens

“…Since then, many researches were conducted with aim to investigate morphology and the role of this gland Khan et al, 2007;Mobini, 2012;Powell et al, 1979). Different researches showed that Harderian gland in domestic fowl participates in local immunological defence of conjunctiva and upper respiratory tract (Montgomery & Maslin, 1992;Ohshima & Hiramatsu, 2002;Olah et al, 1992;Powell et al, 1979).…”

“…Bar=5 μm F I G U R E 7 Apoptosis of plasma cell (arrow) with angular Russell bodies (Rb). Bar=5 μm the Harderian gland are situated IgA-, IgM-and IgG-containing plasma cells (Khan et al, 2007;Ohshima & Hiramatsu, 2002;Olah et al, 1992).…”

“…The number of these cells progressively increases in first weeks after the hatching (Savage, Olah, & Scott, 1992;Scott, Savage, & Olah, 1993;. Recent immunohistochemical researches showed that plasma cells contain IgA, IgM and IgG immunoglobulin (Khan, Jahan, Islam, Haque, & Kon, 2007;Ohshima & Hiramatsu, 2002;Olah et al, 1992). These immunoglobulins provide local immunity of the conjunctival surface and upper respiratory tract.…”

“…Its main role is to lubricate and cleanse the surface of the eye (Dyce, Sack, & Wensing, 2002;Payne, 1994;Shirama, Satoh, Kitamura, & Yamada, 1996). But, beside its exocrine role, histomorphological investigation in avian species shows that the gland is also a secondary immune organ who represent important part of the immune barrier CALT-Conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (Montgomery & Maslin, 1992;Olah, Kupper, & Kittner, 1995;Olah, Scott, Gallego, Kendall, & Glick, 1992;Payne, 1994;Powell, Aitken, & Survashe, 1979;Scott, 2004;Shirama et al, 1996). The stroma of the gland contains large number of lymphocytes and plasma cells (Altunay & Kozlu, 2004;Bang & Bang, 1968;Boydak & Aydin, 2009;Survashe & Aitken, 1978;.…”

Head-associated lymphoid tissue [HALT] of the chicken: characterization of lymphocytes

“…Olàh the plasma cells and the electron dense epithelial cells was theorized to act as an antigen presenting site for the HG (Kittner et al, 1978;Olâh et al, 1992). Olâh et al (1992) hypothesized that IgA, produced by the plasma cells in the central canal area and primary tubules, was subsequently secreted by the epithelium of the secondary tubules and acini.…”