Study of lymphocyte interaction in human mesenteric lymph nodes in vitro.

The immune function of lymphocytes isolated from human mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) has been examined. Large yields of viable lymphocytes were obtained from MLN without the need for using enzyme or mucolytic agents. In comparison to gut mucosal lymphocytes, MLN lymphocytes (MLNL) were technically easier to manipulate and to use in providing a more quantitative analysis of T-B cell interaction. The results presented indicate that the pattern of immunoglobulin secretion and immunoregulation of lymphocytes isolated from MLN was similar to that in cells isolated from the lamina propria, supporting that MLN constitute an important component of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).