Interferon production by cultured murine splenocytes in response to influenza virus-infected cells

Murine splenic lymphocytes cultured for 18 h with either irradiated syngeneic cells infected with influenza A/PR/8/34 virus or irradiated allogeneic cells infected with the same virus release significant quantities of alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) in 24 h. Uninfected allogeneic cells, which are potent stimulators of both lymphocyte proliferation and cytolytic T lymphocytes, failed to induce detectable level of IFN under the same conditions. Cells derived from naive and virus-primed animals gave similar responses to these stimulae. The phenotype of the cells interacting in vitro to these conditions is discussed.

Ultrastructural features of the salt gland of Tamarix aphylla L

The salt gland in Tamarix is a complex of eight cells composed of two inner, vacuolate, collecting cells and six outer, densely cytoplasmic, secretory cells. The secretory cells are completely enclosed by a cuticular layer except along part of the walls between the collecting cells and the inner secretory cell. This non-cuticularized wall region is termed the transfusion are (RUHLAND, 1915) and numerous plasmodesmata connect the inner secretory cells with the collecting cells in this area. Plasmodesmata also connect the collecting cells with the adjacent mesophyll cells.There are numerous mitochondria in the secretory cells and in different glands they show wide variation in form. In some glands wall protuberances extend into the secretory cells forming a labyrinth-like structure; however, in other glands the protuberances are not extensively developed. Numerous small vacuoles are found in some glands and these generally are distributed around the periphery of the secretory cells in association with the wall protuberances. Further, an unusual structure or interfacial apparatus is located along the anticlinal walls of the inner secretory cells. The general structure of the gland including the cuticular encasement, connecting plasmodesmata, interfacial apparatus, and variations in mitochondria, vacuoles, and wall structures are discussed in relation to general glandular function.