Ultrastructure of macrophages of the murine Peyer's patch dome.

The ultrastructure of macrophages located in the dome of murine Peyer's patches was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Aggregates of carbon particles as well as numerous other phagocytic and lysosomal inclusions were consistently observed in dome macrophages of carbon-fed mice. Macrophages of both particle-fed and control mice exhibited morphological features of activation. Degenerating macrophages were observed, and evidence is presented that their disintegration involves invasion by other cells. The morphological findings are in accordance with other evidence that the Peyer's patches receive an influx of material from the intestinal lumen. The potential importance of macrophages in the initiation of intestinal inflammations is emphasized.