CHARACTERIZATION OF LYMPH NODE STROMAL CELLS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON RECOVERY OF RADIATION INJURY IN MICE

Characterization and dynamic observation of lymph node stromal cells with either organ culture or liquid monolayer cell culture in vitro were carried out. Diffused polygonal cells or fusiform cells were seen in monolayer cell culture. Stromal cells could also form colonies or single-layers, but in special shapes (i.e. nurse cells) in organ culture. It was observed that the proliferation of hematopoietic immunocytes were over the variety of lymph node stromal cells. It showed that stromal cells could support the growth and proliferation of parenchymal cells. Compared with non-irradiation group, the stromal cell number of irradiation group (0.75Gy) (including stromal precursor cell) did not decrease but slightly increased. When irradiated with 1.5Gy, 4.0Gy and 8.0Gy X-ray the number significantly decreased, the D0 and n values were 2.7Gy and 1.5 respectively, for lymph node stromal precursor cells.