The Structure of the Sinus Wall of the Lymph Node Relative to Its Endocytic Properties and Transmural Cell Passage

The internal structure of cells lining the lymphatic sinus of the lymph node includes the presence of large bristle-coated vesicles, transfer tubules, and vesicular organelles for the uptake and intracellular disposition of endocytosed material. The lining cells of the sinuses phagocytose particulate material from the lymph in the same manner as the sinusoidal endothelium of the bone marrow takes up particulates from the blood and, thus, are similar in this respect to the endothelial lining of the bone marrow sinusoids. Transmission and scanning electron microscopic examination of the lymphatic sinus wall in rat lymph nodes show that the walls of the lymphatic sinuses are continuous and do not have permanent apertures allowing free communication between the extrasinusoidal and intrasinusoidal compartments in the lymph node. Migrating lymphocytes cross the lymphatic sinus wall intracellularly, i.e., through the body of the lining cell, by making a temporary migration pore, which closes after the cell has reached the lumen of the sinus. In addition there are sporadic aggregations of macrophages in transmural positions. The direction of their movement is unknown.