Возрастные изменения лимфатических узлов (собственные данные и обзор литературы)

Abstract

Aim. To study the morphological features of lymph nodes in people aged 65-69 years and to analyze the results with data from other researchers. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 30 lymph nodes obtained during autopsy of people aged 65-69 years. Lymph nodes were subjected to standard histological protocol; slides were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. An immunohistochemical study was performed to determine the expression of the markers Ki-67, p53, bcl-2 and Cyclin B1. Results. The thickening of the capsule and connective tissue trabecules were determined on the sections of the lymph nodes, the cleavage of trabecules by adipocytes. The zonal structure of the lymph node is smoothed. Lymphatic nodules in the cortex have unclear contours, they do not have germinal centers. The boundaries of the internodular zone and paracortex are not determined. The marginal sinus is unevenly expanded. In the medulla, medullary cords are replaced by white adipose tissue. The medullary sinuses are dilated, adipocytes are located in the lumen of some of them. Small arteries and arterioles with thickened walls and signs of hyalinosis occur. An immunohistochemical study of the proliferative activity of lymph node cells shows a significant decrease in the number of positively stained lymphocytes in both the cortex and medulla by the expression of the Ki-67 marker. In a study of the expression of Cyclin B1 and p53 receptors, the reaction is negative in both cases, while a reaction with antibodies to bcl-2 revealed weak cytoplasmic staining of lymphocytes of the cortex and medulla. Conclusion. Own and literature data shows that with age, unidirectional degenerative and dystrophic changes occur in the lymph nodes of humans, rats and mice. This results in increase in the proportion of connective and adipose tissue and a decrease in lymphoid tissue in the lymph nodes. These changes can be considered morphological signs of inhibition of lymphocytopoiesis, humoral and cellular immunity in the lymph nodes.