Surface morphology of mouse and rat thymic lymphocytes: an in situ scanning electron microscopic study.

The present paper deals with a scanning electron microscopic investigation which was undertaken in order to make a direct study of geometrical conformations of thymocytes, to determine the effect of external mechanical forces and finally to analyse the relation of the cell surface morphology to the differentiation and release of thymocytes into circulation. Thymocytes in situ revealed a striking polyhedral configuration with distinct edges and angles that permit a close orientation of cells in a minimum space. This conformation is probably acquired under the influence of forces in the microenvironment of the cells. The immature thymocytes in the cortex were smooth surfaced and constituted a homogenous population with regards to surface morphology except for slight variations in the size and angles of varoius facets of the polyhedra. A minority of the cell population occupying the medulla, however, exhibited a departure in possessing surface undulations and stubby protuberances. Thymocytes isolated in suspension and those in postcapillary venules of thymus did not show the polyhedral shape characteristic of the cells in thymic tissue. They were always rounded, with their surfaces often exhibiting undulations or microvilli. The variations observed in situ are discussed in light of external mechanical forces, cell surface characteristics and the inherent properties of differentiating thymocytes.