VMC 221: Veterinary Immunology and Serology (1+1)

HEMOLYMPH NODES AND DENTRITIC CELLS

Hemolymph Nodes

• Similar to lymph nodes found in ruminants and other mammals.
• Function is not clear.

Dendritic cells

• These are specialized cells found in the epithelia of the skin, respiratory tract, gastro intestinal tract and in most parenchymal organs.
• Morphologically they have membranous or spine likes projections.
• They have lobulated nuclei and clear cytoplasm containing characteristic granules called Birbeck granules.
• They capture antigens and transport these antigens to peripheral lymphoid organs.
• All dendritic calls are thought to have originated from bone marrow and related to mononuclear phagocytes lineage.