PMID: 2108952Feb 1, 1990Paper

Immunoglobulins in Hassall's corpuscles of the human thymus

Journal of Anatomy
L Henry, G Anderson

Abstract

Ninety nine human thymuses were examined immunohistochemically for the presence of immunoglobulins G, A, M. D and E, light-chains, secretory component and albumin in the cells of Hassall's corpuscles. Igs G, A, M and secretory component were present. These showed a rise after birth until the age of 20 years and also increased with the degree of involution, falling when involution became complete. Albumin was also consistently demonstrated. There was a degree of correlation between the presence of Igs and production of Igs G, A and M by plasma cells in the thymic medulla. There was a close correlation between the amounts of IgA and secretory component in the cells of Hassall's corpuscles and the thymus may have to be regarded as a part of the secretory-IgA system. Light chains of the immunoglobulin molecule were also present, with lambda predominating over kappa, possibly reflecting the same kappa/lambda ratio found with thymic immunoglobulin production. No IgD or IgE was demonstrated. The presence of albumin may represent a passive uptake of protein in senescent cells but a more active uptake of Igs, particularly IgG and IgA, could be postulated. The production of Igs in the thymus and their presence in Hassall's corpuscles cou...Continue Reading

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