LYMPH-NODE MACROPHAGES AFTER APPLICATION OF GLUCAN IN CALVES - AN ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STUDY

The present study was designed to reveal by electron microscopy the dy namics of degradation processes of glucan after phagocytosis in the ly mph nodes. A soluble form of glucan at a dosage of 50 mg/kg body weigh t induced a distinct phagocytic activity. On day 7, after stimulation of the lymph nodes, glucan was gradually degraded through fibrillar, p articular components, and finally into a light microscopically invisib le content. The ingestive capacity of macrophages was higher compared to phagocytic ability of the sinus-lining and reticular cells. On day 30, after stimulation, the lymph nodes indicated restoration of the ar chitecture of their medullary pulp.