Synopses & Reviews
The functional processes in the lymph nodes are comprehensively presented in this volume. Particular consideration is given to their immune reactions, the macrophages and plasmocytoid T-cells (plasmocytoid monocytes). All modern methods of immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy, particularly the recent progress in immunoelectron microscopic investigation, are included. The chapters cover all aspects of the subject, so that insight into the newest findings about the lymph nodes and their interactions is given. Special chapters cover lymphocyte circulation, including the structure of the wall of the high endothelial postcapillary venules and the transendothelial pathways of the lymphocytes. One contribution deals with lymph node histopathology in nude rat lymph nodes and shows that many cellular functions proceed normally without the usually dominating T-cell reaction. Two special chapters deal with the macrophages in different compartments; here the major function of dendritic cells is illustrated.
Synopsis
Due to the topology and structure of the lymph nodes, their role in the pathogenesis and development of diseases is a very special one. Each organ and even each organ-related region of the body has its own group of lymph nodes, specific topological reactions, such as in circumscribed inflammation or in the metastatic spread of malignant tumors. On the other hand, all the lymph nodes of an organism join in a uniform function effected by highly differentiated structures. Volume 84 of Current Topics in Pathology presents our current knowledge about the structure and reaction patterns of this "sec- ondary" lymphoid organ. Despite our original intention to publish all the contributions in one book, it became necessary to divide them: Part 1 focuses on the involved nodal compartments, cell types, and functions, while Part 2 describes their reactions in inflammatory, neo- plastic, and immune-deficient diseases. Even with the cooperation of more than 30 authors, the coverage cannot be exhaustive. The scope of both parts is limited to those reactions that can be described by direct and indirect morphological methods, including modern tech- niques such as immune electron microscopy.
Synopsis
A comprehensive presentation of the structure and cells of the lymph node, with special attention given to immune reactions, macrophages and plasmocytoid T-cells.