Immunohistochemical analysis of the distribution of vimentin in human peripheral lymphoid tissues.

The distribution of the intermediate filament protein vimentin in peripheral lymphoid tissues was determined using a monoclonal antibody. Frozen sections of tissue were stained using an avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method. The antibody stained endothelial cells in spleen, lymph node, and tonsil. Unusual rod-like structures were revealed in the sinusoid-lining cells of the spleen. A variety of reticulum cells was detected, including fibroblastic reticulum cells, histiocytic reticulum cells (tingible body macrophages), and splenic marginal zone macrophages. Very few lymphocytes were immunoreactive. Only weak cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was observed in lymphocytes of the periarteriolar lymphocyte sheath of the spleen. The monoclonal antibody employed appears to be of limited usefulness in detecting normal lymphocytes, but is strongly reactive with endothelial structures and some types of reticulum cells.