Ultrastructure of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in the amphibian urodele, Pleurodeles waltlii.

The ultrastructure of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) has been studied in the salamander, Pleurodeles waltlii. Lymphoid accumulations appear as true infiltrates scattered throughout the lamina propria cell elements. The most important components of these infiltrates are small and medium sized lymphocytes, and, in lesser amounts, developing and mature plasma cells, macrophages and granulocytes. Migrating lymphoid cells massively invade the intestinal epithelium inducing noticeable modifications, such as the disappearance of the basement membrane and decreased numbers of mucous cells. Thus, in its organization and cell composition, the GALT of P. waltlii appears to represent a primitive phylogenetic precursor of the mammalian "intestinal-immunologic" barrier.