Blood–thymus barrier
 | This article does not cite any sources. (October 2009) |
The blood–thymus barrier regulates exchange of substances between the circulatory system and thymus, providing a sequestered environment for immature T cells to develop. The barrier also prevents the immature T cells from contacting foreign antigens (since contact with antigens at this stage will cause the T cells to die by apoptosis).
The barrier is formed by the continuous blood capillaries in the thymic cortex, reinforced by (sometimes called thymic epithelial cells) and macrophages.
See also[]
- Blood–air barrier – Membrane separating alveolar air from blood in lung capillaries
- Blood–brain barrier – semipermeable capillary border that allows selective passage of blood constituents into the brain
- Blood–ocular barrier – Physical barrier between the local blood vessels and most parts of the eye itself
- Blood–retinal barrier – Part of the blood–ocular barrier that prevents certain substances from entering the retina
- Blood–testis barrier – A physical barrier between the blood vessels and the seminiferous tubules of the animal testes
Categories:
- Thorax (human anatomy)
- Organs (anatomy)