The three-dimensional reticular structure of the pig spleen demonstrated by labeling with fluorescein isothiocyanate.

Pig spleens were selectively perfused with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) containing medium. Histological sections of spleens excised one day later revealed the structure of the reticulum in thick cryostat sections directly in three dimensions. The pattern of the reticulum in silver impregnated sections was comparable to the FITC labelling pattern. This technique preferentially outlines the reticulum of the white pulp and the marginal zone of the spleen.