ISSN:
0362-2525
Keywords:
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
A histological study was undertaken of the differentiation of the lymphomyeloid complex of larvae of the common leopard frog, Rana pipiens, reared at 18-21 °C. Immature lymphocytes are first recognised in the thymus and pronephros at stage I of Taylor and Kollros ('46). By the end of stage II, small lymphocytes are regularly found among the predominant larger lymphoid cells in the thymus, in which corticomedullary differentiation has begun. At this time, a few small lymphocytes are also apparent in the ventral cavity bodies, lymph gland, pronephros, mesonephros and intestine, but rarely occur in the spleen. During stages III and IV extensive development of these components of the lymphomyeloid complex occurs. The organs now contain large numbers of mature lymphocytes and have attained states of differentiation that remain essentially similar in subsequent larval stages. By stage V, small epithelium-associated lymphoid accumulations are abundant throughout the length of the gastrointestinal tract. The anlagen of the procoracoid body and bone marrow appear just prior to metamorphosis.The kidneys are the main sites of blood formation in the larva. Masses of granulocytes are also usually found in the abundant ventral cavity bodies. A consideration of the roles of each of the organs provides insight into the ontogeny of the immune system of the Anura in general.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jmor.1051340102
