The stimulatory effects of diethylstilbestrol and diethylstilbestrol diphosphate on the reticuloendothelial cells of the rat spleen

The effects of the estrogenic compounds, diethylstilbestrol (DS) and diethylstilbestrol diphosphate (DSP) on morphologically demonstrable characteristics of reticuloendothelial (RE) cells were studied in rat spleen. These included metalophilia, acid phosphatase, nonspecific esterase and phagocytosis. Routine histological and histochemical techniques were used to determine the distribution of metalophilic cells, hydrolytic enzymes, the presence of intracytoplasmic PAS‐positive material, hemosiderin sequestration, and the ability to phagocytose injected carbon particles and bacterial organisms. Changes in these parameters associated with increased RE function were observed in several regions of spleens of DS or DSP‐treated animals. The marginal metalophils at the periphery of the nodule, normally not phagocytic in animals of the age studied, became phagocytic and demonstrated increased metalophilic and enzymatic activity. The red pulp was characterized by increased densities of cells in pulp cords demonstrating metalophilia, hydrolytic enzyme activity, PAS positivity and hemosiderin. Phagocytosed material was limited to cells in the pulp cord. The reactions of the sinus‐lining cells were not affected by this treatment. Results indicated that the marginal metalophils have the capacity to become fully functional RE cells under the influence of these drugs.