THE DISTRIBUTION OF LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN NORMAL OVINE SKIN

The distribution of lymphocyte subsets in the skin of clinically norma l sheep was studied using monoclonal antibodies to OvCD5, OvCD4, OvCD8 , WC1, and CD45RA. Four different anatomical sites were examined in ea ch of 38 sheep. Four different age groups ranging from 7 to 10-day-old lambs to 12 to 14-month-old adults were represented, The majority of lymphocytes in all age groups and at all sites were angiocentrically l ocated within the superficial dermis. Total lymphocyte numbers at each site increased with age. The predominant cell type identified at all sites was WC1(+) and the proportion of lymphocytes of this phenotype w as significantly higher at wooled sites. Only occasional CD45RA(+/-) c ells were present in any section. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.