IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE INVOLVEMENT OF F4/80 AND IA-POSITIVE MACROPHAGES IN MOUSE-LIVER INFECTED WITH LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS

Abstract

The distribution of cells bearing the F4/80 macrophage marker and class II MHC glycoproteins has been analyzed in the livers of mice infected with viscerotropic LCMV. The number of F4/80+ macrophages in the liver increases greatly during infection. Much of this is due to the localization of F4/80+ Ia+ monocytes, large numbers of which attach to the walls of the sinuses and the central and hepatic veins. Numerous lymphocytes are also observed in the sinusoids, frequently in close association with macrophages. The lymphocytes tend to move on from this intravascular location, while the macrophages remain. Foci of F4/80-Ia- mononuclear cells (probably T lymphocytes) are found both in the liver p..