Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Neural crest (NC)-derived mesenchyme has previously been shown to play an important role in the development of fetal thymus. Using Wnt1-Cre and Sox10-Cre mice crossed to Rosa26(eYfp) reporter mice, we have revealed NC-derived mesenchymal cells in the adult murine thymus. We report that NC-derived cells infiltrate the thymus before day 13.5 of embryonic development (E13.5) and differentiate into cells with characteristics of smooth muscle cells associated with large vessels, and pericytes associated with capillaries. In the adult organ at 3 mo of age, these NC-derived perivascular cells continue to be associated with the vasculature, providing structural support to the blood vessels and possibly regulating endothelial cell function.

Original publication

DOI

10.4049/jimmunol.180.5.3183

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Immunol

Publication Date

01/03/2008

Volume

180

Pages

3183 - 3189

Keywords

Animals, Cell Differentiation, Cellular Senescence, Embryo, Mammalian, Embryonic Stem Cells, Female, Fetal Development, Genes, Reporter, Luminescent Proteins, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Mice, Transgenic, Neural Crest, Thymus Gland