Mobilization of B and T cell subpopulations to rat endolymphatic sac following inner ear antigenic stimulation

抄録

Subpopulations of lymphocytes existing to rat endolymphatic sac (ELsac) were examined after inner ear challenge of KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) following systemic sensitization, employing immunostaining with ABC methods. A large number of lymphocytes was seen in perisaccular space (PSS) of challenged side. B cells bearing IgG were predominantly seen, but IgM or IgA bearing B cells were fewly seen. T cells as well as B cells were mobilized to the perisaccular space, expressing phenotype markers of helper/inducer or cytotoxic/suppressor on their cell surface. These findings indicate that T-B interaction takes place at endolymphatic sac, mounting and modulating the local immune response in the inner ear.