[Histological study of conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue in mice].

Purpose: To investigate conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) in mouse conjunctiva.

Method: We examined normal mice, ranging in age from 4 to 6 weeks, to investigate the presence of follicular tissue histologically. Next, we treated mice by topical instillation of ovalbumin and cholera toxin B, and then examined conjunctival follicles by immunohistological methods.

Results: Follicular tissue was present at the nictitating membrane. Both size and amount of follicular tissue was increased by the topical ovalbumin treatment. Immunohistological examination revealed CD4, CD8, and S-100 protein positive cells in follicular tissue. The epithelial layer, corresponding to follicular tissue, had intraepithelial pockets and CD4 positive cells in the pockets.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the follicular tissue at the nictitating membrane is CALT in mice.