Immunology of Chromogranin Containing Splenocytes.
Abstract
The purpose was to characterize, isolate and detect a function for an apparently new type of cell in the immune system. In this endeavor multiple phenotypic studies and known immunological assays for cell function have been employed attempting to define the uniqueness of this chromogranin containing cell. Since chromogranin is a marker protein for members of the diffuse neuroendocrine system, the members of which exert marked effects on homeostatic mechanisms of an animal, it is hoped that an immunoregulatory role of some type will be identified for this cell. The data accumulated to date support its unique nature in that it is phenotypically and morphologically dissimilar to any known member of the hemotopoetic/reticulo-endothelial/immunological systems. However, there has been no detection of activity in any of the assays employed. These investigations have involved extensive phenotypic analyses and in vitro functional assays in well defined test systems. To data our results ahve been consistent with the hypothesis that the chromogranin containing splenocyte population represents a heretofore undefined leukocyte. However, functional studies have not yet revealed a system in which this cell exerts a detectable effect. Attempts to carry this cell type long term in vitro have been unsuccessful.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185969
Entities
People
- William F. Hickey
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania