[Structure of the inguinal lymph nodes after extirpation of the pancreas].

Swiching off the external and internal secretion of the pancreas by means of extirpation of the organ demonstrates a progressive hypoplasia of the immunocompetent tissue in the inguinal lymphatic nodes. The involution is determined by decreasing number of small, middle and large lymphocytes in the cortical part of the node. Together with the decreasing number of the lymphatic nodules, by the 20th-60th days after the operation the germinative centers become poor in middle, large lymphocytes and in lymphoblasts. Among the cells mentioned, mitotic activity is decreased. Hence, thymus-dependent, but to a greater extent, thymus--independent zones of the lymphatic nodes are subjected to involution.