Plasma cells expressing immunoglobulins M and A but not immunoglobulin G develop an intimate relationship with central canal epithelium in the harderian gland of the chicken.

In the Harderian gland of the chicken, the epithelial and plasma cell relationships were studied by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemical methods. In the wall of the central canal a dark epithelial cell was identified that had long branching cell processes. An anticytokeratin monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the dark cells provided an extremely large contact area for the plasma cells. Although IgM-, IgG-, and IgA-producing plasma cells were present in the Harderian gland, only IgM- and IgA-positive cells were capable of a distinct relationship with dark epithelial cells. The surface of the primary branches contained scattered IgA deposits whereas the epithelial cells of the secondary branches possessed IgA along the lateral cell membrane but not on the surface. Anti-IgA and anti-cytokeratin antibodies produced a similar staining pattern in the acini and secondary branches. Taken together, these observations suggest that IgA secretion is a function of secondary branches and that intracellular transport is influenced by the cytoskeletal system.