Abstract:

Abstract:Objective
To detect the expressions of autoimmune regulator (Aire) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs),explore the functions  of Aire  in peripheral immune tolerance,and clarify the  action mechanism  of Aire expressed in lymphy nodes  in the maintenance of tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune disease in mice. Methods The expressions of Aire  mRNA and protein  in MLNs and PLNs from BALB/c mice were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The expressions of Aire  mRNA  in stromal and non-stromal fractions of the lymph nodes were detected by RT-PCR. The expressions of Aire  mRNA  in stromal    cells of the lymph nodes were determined by RT-PCR,the expression of Aire  protein  in stromal cells of the lympy nodes was detected with immunohistochemistry. Results The expressions of Aire  mRNA and protein  were found in MLNs and PLNs,the expression levels had no significant difference between groups(P>0.05). The  Aire mRNA expressed in both the stromal and non-stromal fractions,the expression of Aire in non-stromal fractions was higher than that in stromal fractions (P<0.05). The epithelial cells(EPIs) and fibroblastic reticular cells(FRCs) were isolated and cultured successfully,the positive rate was 70%. The Aire mRNA and protein expressed in both EPIs and FRCs,and the expressions of Aire mRNA and protein  in  EPIs was higher that those in  FRCs.Conclusion Aire can express in MLNs and PLNs of mice,as well as the stromal cells,which indicates that Aire may participate  to maintain peripheral immune tolerance through several mechanisms.

Key words: autoimmune regulator;mesenteric lymphnodes;peripleral lymph nodes;peripheral immune tolerance