Splenic microenvironment of the CBA/N mouse: Immunohistochemical analysis using monoclonal antibodies against lymphocytes and nonlymphoid cells

CBA/N mice carry an X‐linked immune‐deficiency gene, leading to a defect in the ability to form antibodies against T‐independent type 2 antigens. By using immunohistochemistry, the organization of the spleen of the immune‐deficient male (xid) CBA/N F1 and the normal female F1 were compared. Staining with antilymphocyte markers showed that the total number of cells in the various T‐ and B‐cell areas was smaller in the xid mouse, resulting in very small white pulp compartments. Fewer B cells were seen in the marginal zone. When the spleens of the F1 mice were examined for macrophage markers, the rings of marginal‐zone macrophages and the ring of marginal metallophilic macrophages were much thinner in the xid mouse. In particular, the marginal‐zone macrophages are thought to play a role in the response against thymus‐independent type 2 antigens, and their small numbers in the xid mouse are suggestive of a role for the microenvironment in the defects in these mice. Copyright © 1988 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.