Regional heterogeneity in immunoreactive macrophages/microglia in the rat pineal gland

Ya Fen Jiang-Shieh, Ching Hsiang Wu, Min Lin Chang, Jeng Yung Shieh, Chen Yuan Wen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using specific macrophage antibodies (OX-42, OX-6, ED-1 and ED-2), this study examined the distribution of macrophages/microglia in the pineal gland of adult rats. Except for ED-2, all antibodies labeled distinct subpopulations of macrophages/microglia in the gland; ED-2 labeling was hardly detectable. The quantitative study showed that the pineal macrophages/microglia (PMM) expressing complement type 3 receptors (OX-42) were more numerous than those expressing the major histocompatibility complex class II antigen (OX-6) or unknown cytoplasmic/lysosomal antigens (ED-1). The PMM were ubiquitous, especially the OX-42 labeled cells which were distributed from the dorsal to the ventral aspect of the gland. The macrophages/microglia labeled with OX-6 or ED-1 were localized mainly in the intermediate portion of the pineal gland. Immunolabeled cells were sparsely distributed in the distal portion of the pineal gland. A notable feature was that the OX-6 labeled macrophages/microglia showed a proximal-distal gradient in cell density. Another interesting feature was the occurrence of prominent cell aggregations around the larger blood vessels. These cells were mostly round and exhibited different immunoreactivity. Confocal microscopic study with triple immunolabeling further revealed that individual PMM cell possessed two or more different antigens (ED-1+/OX-6+, OX-42+/OX-6+ or OX-42+/ED-1+). Remarkably, a large population co-expressed ED-1+/OX-6+/OX-42+. The present results show that the expression of immunoreactive molecules in PMM varies in topographical distribution of the cells. It is suggested that this may be linked to their immunoregulatory functions in the gland.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-53
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Pineal Research
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 08 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Heterogeneity
  • Immunomolecules
  • Macrophage
  • Microglia
  • Pineal gland
  • Rat

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Regional heterogeneity in immunoreactive macrophages/microglia in the rat pineal gland'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this