Untersuchungen über den Reaktionsablauf im Lymphknoten

Summary

By means of a lengthy method of continuous cytologic and histologic study, an experimentally produced reactive process in lymphnodes was analyzed. This analysis was made both qualitatively and quantitatively, in an attempt to clarify the mechanisms of reaction and the underlying cellular alterations producing this change.

The reaction begins in the medullary cords and gradually spreads to the cortex. New cells are formed. This cytopoesis, considered “accidental”, quantitatively exceeds the physiologic process, and depends upon stimulation of the reticulo-cellular system.

The cells of this “accidental” cytopoesis are characteristically very variable in form. A constant transition of forms occurs. This dynamic cell, as it is seen in the reactive formation of new cells, can be observed only by continuous study. The small reticulum cell proves to be a particularly adaptable and plastic element, and is the real basis of the reaction. Large and small lymphocytes, as well as transitional forms and plasma cells are derived from it. For these cell types, no other “parent” cells can be postulated.

The reactive formation of new cells reaches its maximum between the 20th and 26th day, and then shows a steady decrease in spite of further “stimulation” of the lymphnode. During the course of the reaction numerous quantitative interrelationsships among the individual groups of cells can be found. The conclusions gained from the cellular preparations are substantiated by means of histological controls and supplemented by a few important other points.

The observation of the cytologic and histologic cellular movements, of the quantitative interrelationships among the individual groups of cells, and of the continuous change in form of the cells during the reaction are made the basis for the survey of the cytopoesis in lymphatic tissue. The large reticulum cell is considered to be the “parent” cell for the accidental formation of cells in reactive processes. The cellular supply is maintained probably by means of hemihomo-hemiheteroplastic reproduction. The small reticulum cell with the highest mitotic rate apparently reproduces itself in the homoplastic way. Those cells derived from it are responsible for the polymorphous picture of cells in the reactive processes of the lymphatic tissue. The theories of determinate developmental processes and the retrograde transformation of cells in lymphatic tissues are rejected.

Both the bud-like formations on the nuclei of the small reticulum cells, and the appearance of dwarfed nuclei, in conjunction with the quantitative relation to the number of binucleated reticulum cells, suggest a mechanism of growth which shows similarity to the karyonomia or meroamitosis.