Ultrastructure of Russell's bodies in plasma cells of normal ovine hemal lymph nodes

Abstract

Hemal lymph nodes occur in a wide range of animals including ruminants, primates, horses and man. It is generally believed that they are separate lymphatic organs capable of performing hemopoietic and immunologic functions. The plasma cells are the main source of antibody synthesis. They are formed when antigens enter B-lymphocytes and induce their transformation into plasma cells. The plasma cells release immunoglobulins (Russell's bodies) directly into adjacent tissues.Different reports expressed varied opinions on the significance and the fate of Russell bodies in plasma cells. Some of the opinions are that Russell bodies appear in pathological conditions. it is believed that the appearance of Russell's bodies in plasma cells is a cellular defect. They are also considered heterogenous in nature. This report shows that Russell bodies have appeared in plasma cell of healthy ovine hemal lymph nodes.Hemal lymph nodes were collected from different regions near the viscera of five native Louisiana sheep. Small slices of the nodes were fixed in 3% gluteraldehyde in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), postfixed in 1% OSO4 and embedded in epon. Ultra-thin sections were examined with a Zeiss 10 electron microscope.