HLA-DR expression in human fetal intestinal epithelium. Issue 10 (October 1988)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: MacDonald, T T; Weinel, A; Spencer, J
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 29:Issue 10(1988)
• Page Start: 1342
• Page End: 1348
• Publication Date: 1988-10
• Subjects: Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.29.10.1342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Villus epithelial cells in fetal human small intestine are HLA-DR- until 17 weeks gestation. At 18 weeks HLA-DR begins to be expressed in the epithelial cells, usually at the villus tips. Of 13 specimens examined between 18 and 22 weeks gestation, two were HLD-DR-, seven had HLA-DR expressed only at the villus tips and in four most of the villus epithelial cells were HLA-DR+. The epithelium overlying the Peyer's patches in fetal intestine was also HLA-DR+. T cells in explant cultures of fetal intestine were activated in situ using pokeweed mitogen. The local cell mediated immune reaction increased expression of HLA-DR on the villus and crypt epithelial cells. Organ culture supernatants from explants treated with pokeweed mitogen induced HLA-DR expression on the HT-29 epithelial cell line; an effect inhibited by antibody against human interferon gamma.