Observations on the ultrastructure and function of the so-called "microfold" or "membraneous" cells (M cells) by means of peroxidase as a tracer.

Abstract

79 NMRI mice and Wistar rats were used for ultrastructural investigations of the sequential uptake of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by M cells. In addition the ultrastructure of the so-called tuft-cells was reported. HRP, a foreign protein antigen, was applied either by injection (Owen 1977), or by stomach tube. After variable exposure times (5 min to 3 h) segments of the distal small intestine, containing Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes and liver tissue were removed. After fixation, they were reacted with H2O2-3,3′-diaminobenzidine tetrachloride and were examined by light and electron microscopy for HRP reaction products. The uptake of HRP mainly occurs through the M cells in the dome epithelium of Peyer's patches with a continual transport of the antigenic material into lymphoid cells, macrophages, and dendritic reticulum cells. In the 3 h specimens a few single HRP-positive lymphoid cells can be observed within the efferent lymphatics of Peyer's patches. In addition, a continual uptake of HRP by necrobiotic enterocytes was observed. It has also been shown that after 3 h HRP is located inside the Kupffer cells of the liver. These findings also support the presumption that antigenic material can be transmitted via the portal circulation. However, definite, quantitatively and permanently recorded uptake of HRP by brush border cells was not be observed. To exclude a toxic effect of the applied HRP on the enterocytic epithelium additional resorptive-physiological investigations were performed using the in vivo-perfusion-recirculation method and in vitro-accumulation of L-phenylalanine.