MIGRATION OF DENDRITIC CELLS INTO THE DRAINING LYMPH-NODES OF THE LUNG AFTER INTRATRACHEAL INSTILLATION

The migration of dendritic cell (DC)-enriched populations and alveolar macrophage (AM) populations isolated from PVG RT7.2 rats was studied after local administration to recipient PVG RT7.1 rats. The monoclonal antibody His41, which is directed against the common leukocyte antige n of the RT7.2 rat, was used to detect migrated cells. Injection of di e splenic DC and AM subcutaneously into the footpads resulted in migra tion of both cell types to the popliteal lymph nodes after 24 h. DC lo cated predominantly in the T cell-dependent areas, whereas AM located more in the medulla and medullary cords and spread throughout the oute r cortex area. After intratracheal instillation of splenic DC, these c ells were found predominantly in T cell-dependent areas of the drainin g lymph nodes of the lung after 24 h. In contrast, AM did not migrate to the draining lymph nodes after intratracheal instillation. Combined with diose from earlier studies, these data show that DC present in t he alveolar lumen may pick up airborne antigen and migrate to the drai ning lymph nodes of the lung, where they can induce primary T cell res ponses.