: Localization of ED3-positive subpopulation of macrophages in spleen (rat)

Stain: Immunohistochemistry of Vector red staining using the antibody ED3. The survey in (A) shows that the ED3-positive macrophages are found as a ring in the marginal zone border, as well as spread in the red pulp area (2). The cells are sometimes referred as marginal metallophilic macrophages. The PALS zone (1) is mostly devoid of this cell type. The cells have long slender processes as shown in (B). ED3 stains the CD169 antigen (Sn) and is involved in the binding of neoglycoproteins. In the spleen the marginal zone macrophages and a subpopulation of the marginal metallophils possess glycosylbinding receptors.