IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF CONJUNCTIVA-ASSOCIATED LYMPHOID TISSUE IN PIGLETS AND PIGS

In order to identify and study the distribution of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and cell proliferation in the porcine conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT), an immunohistochemical study was carried out of the eyelids in clinically healthy piglets and pigs. Using polyclonal rabbit antiserum against CD3 (PAP method), mouse monoclonal antibody against CD79α (ABC method), and mouse monoclonal antibody against PCNA (PAP method), T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and the proliferation of lymphoid cells in the conjunctiva of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded eyelids of piglets and pigs were immunohistochemically identified. Results revealed age-dependent quantitative changes in T and B lymphocytes and lymphoid follicles in piglets and pigs. The immunohistochemical and quantitative data obtained showed that the conjunctiva of 5 day-old piglets had T lymphocytes, while B lymphocytes were absent. Two-month-old piglets had both T and B lymphocytes in the subepithelial tissue, but the number of T lymphocytes predominated. In 6 and 12 monthold pigs, in addition to T and B lymphocytes, the conjunctiva had functioning lymphoid follicles with T and B zones. In the germinal center of some lymphoid follicles, the proliferation of lymphoblasts was recognizable. The results obtained can be used to study the role of CALT in the diseases of the eye and par ocular tissues in piglets and pigs.