Immunohistochemical mapping of thymic microenvironment in sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus)

Abstract

In this study, we describe the immunohistochemical characterisation of the thymus, the main lymphoid organ, in sturgeon. The wide range cytokeratin, vimentin, S-100 protein, LCA (CD45) and CD3 were selected as the immunohistochemical markers to map the thymus in juvenile sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus). The epithelial cells and Hassall’s corpuscles were labelled with a wide range cytokeratin. The fibroblasts and connective tissue within the thin fibrous capsule on the thymic surface expressed vimentin positivity. The stromal reticular cells were S-100 protein positive. The Leukocyte Common Antigen LCA (CD45) was negative on the thymic lymphocytes. The CD3 was negative on the thymic lymphocytes with cross-reactivity on the non-targeted structures. In conclusion, the commercially available antibodies against the wide range cytokeratin, vimentin and S-100 protein can be used to differentiate components of the sturgeon thymus, while the LCA (CD45) and CD3 application failed. We suggest that further studies are needed to generate fish specific antibodies.