Demonstration of M cells in the specialized follicle-associated epithelium overlying isolated lymphoid follicles in the gut.

Within the epithelium that overlies the dome regions of Peyer's patches, exist specialized surface epithelial cells (M) which function to take up macromolecules from the gut lumen. These cells may be of great importance in processing antigenic material in the gut. The predominant lymphoid structures of the small intestine are isolated lymphoid follicles, by virtue of their frequency. These follicles are difficult to study because they are not grossly visible. In the present study, three guinea pigs drank India ink mixed into their water for 1, 3, and 5 months. Two hours prior to sacrifice, animals were given an intraintestinal injection of ferritin or India ink. Using a hand lens, the Peyer's patches and isolated follicles were clearly identified among the villi of the intestine. Light microscopy revealed ink in the surface epithelium covering the isolated follicles and within the substance of the follicles. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated M cells over isolated follicles and Peyer's patches. These cells had lighter staining cytoplasm, while the mitochrondria stained darker with prominent cristae, and the microvilli were shorter. Therefore, M cells do exist within isolated follicles and structurally appear the same as those found in Peyer's patches. This implicates the isolated follicles in the overall antigen processing role of gut-associated lymphoid tissues. The present method facilitates identification of isolated lymphoid follicles which will allow functional studies to be performed on these structures.