The Bronchus-AssociatedLymphoid-Tissue (BALT) in Rabbits is Also Dependent on Environmental Stimulation

Abstract

The rabbit is often taken as the most typical animal for the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT). We studied the lungs of adult rabbits of four groups: A. hobby breeder, B. medical school central animals facilities from experiments on joints. C. Animals kept on the central animal facilities from experiments on muscle cells and D. from rabbits which were directly delivered to the laboratory of biochemistry. The presence of BALT was definitely dependent on the environment: larger and active in group A (as known from the literature) In group B and C the BALT was smaller in some sections was no BALT. In group D BALT was often absent or very small. In conclusion, BALT is also in rabbits not a contribution lymphoid organ like lymph nodes or spleen.