The distribution of the autofluorescent cells and of the yellow autofluorescent granules in the rat tissues

摘要

AbstractWe previously described in the rat lymphocytic tissues peculiar cells referred to asautofluorescent cells. They are filled with cytoplasmic granules most of which emit a yellow autofluorescence under the fluorescence microscope. In this work, in an attempt to clarify the function of these cells, their distribution was investigated in the various tissues of the rat. Cells comparable to the autofluorescent cells were found in the stroma of the trachea, gut, ovaries, uterus and bone marrow. These areas are sites of antigenic challenges and have a high mitotic activity. Hence, their distribution can support our previous suggestions that these cells are involved in immunity or growth. The tissues were examined furthermore to see if their parenchymal cells would contain yellow autofluorescent granules. The cells of most tissues were found to have some granules. It is suggested that these granules represent organelles, or lipids associated with organelles involved in cellular work.