Abnormalities of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets in polymyalgia rheumatica

The T lymphocyte subsets were studied by monoclonal antibodies in the blood of eight patients with polymyalgia rheumatica. The percentages of circulating T cells (OKT3+) were lower when compared with normal controls (p less than 0.02), as were the proportions of suppressor/cytotoxic (OKT8+) T cells (p less than 0.001), whereas the proportions of helper/inducer (OKT4+) T lymphocytes were not changed. Consequently, the OKT4:OKT8 ratio was higher in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica than in controls (p less than 0.001). On the contrary, circulating B cells were not altered. The decrease in peripheral blood OKT3+ and OKT8+ lymphocyte subsets suggests that there is an impairment of cell-mediated immunity in polymyalgia rheumatica.     

The ultrastructural morphology of T lymphocytes in B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a study with monoclonal antibodies and the immunogold technique

T-lymphocytes from five patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) were analysed by light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) by means of the immunogold technique with monoclonal antibodies combined with E rosettes. LM analysis confirmed the existence of a population of E+ lymphocytes unreactive with the OKT3 monoclonal antibody. The EM study showed that E+ lymphocytes from B-CLL can be distinguished morphologically from the leukaemic B-cells which were identified by their labelling with FMC4 (anti HLA-Dr). Within the E+ fraction two cell types were seen which differed both in reactivity with OKT3 and ultrastructural morphology. T3+ lymphocytes are similar to normal T3+, T4+ cells: they have high nucleocytoplasmic (N/C) ratio and few cytoplasmic organelles. Their reactivity with OKT3 is, however, considerably weaker than that of normal T3+ lymphocytes. T3- (E+) lymphocytes, on the other hand, are characterized by low N/C ratio, active Golgi, lysosomal granules and parallel tubular arrays. These cells resemble normal T gamma lymphocytes which comprise cells with the membrane phenotypes: T3+, T8+, M1- and T3-, T8-, M1+. These results provide further evidence for a T-cell imbalance in B-CLL and help define better the cellular basis for this abnormality.     

Phenotypic heterogeneity of human T-cell malignancies: demonstration by monoclonal antibodies and cytochemical markers

The present study sought to delineate the phenotypic heterogeneity of the human T-cell malignancies. Twenty T-cell neoplasms were investigated for reactivity with the OKT hybridoma monoclonal antibodies and expression of acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), beta-glucuronidase (BG), and acid phosphatase (AP) activity. Twelve cases (Mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia) were OKT3'T4', ie, expressed the phenotype commonly associated with mature T-helper cells. These cases were further divisible into ANAE+BG+ (6 cases), ANAE-BG+ (5 cases), and ANAE-BG- (1 case) phenotypes. In contrast to the 12 OKT3+T4+ cases, the remaining 8 cases showed considerable inter- and intratumor heterogeneity with respect to reactivity with the OKT antibodies. Six of these cases (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphoblastic lymphoma) expressed phenotypes consistent with various intrathymic stages of T-cell differentiation. Five of the latter 6 cases were AP+BG+ANAE-, analogous to the majority of normal cortical thymocytes; an OKT3+T4-T8+T10+ neoplasm was ANAE+, analogous to normal medullary thymocytes. Two cases expressed the previously undescribed OKT3+T4-T8-T10+ phenotype. These studies demonstrate that the T-cell malignancies are divisible into phenotypes which correspond to normal maturational stages of T-cell differentiation and functionally distinct T-cell subsets. Phenotypic analysis of the human T-cell malignancies may provide a basis for understanding their biological heterogeneity and may aid in the identification of transitional stages of T-cell differentiation and minor T-cell subsets.     

Cytochemistry of human T lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood

With sequential investigation of immunological and cytochemical markers on single cells, T lymphocyte subsets defined by monoclonal antibodies were examined in the peripheral blood of healthy adults. Leu-3a+ T cells (helper/inducer) were 80.0 +/- 6.6% dot positive with unspecific acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) and 52.2 +/- 15.8% dot positive with diaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) staining, as compared to 52.6 +/- 7.6% ANAE and 29.1 +/- 10.9% DAP IV dot positivity in Leu-2a+ T cells (suppressor/cytotoxic). Although these differences were significant (P less than 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively), the rather high % of dot positivity in Leu-2a+ cells precludes ANAE or DAP IV staining as a simple method for the determination of T lymphocyte subsets. In acid phosphatase staining, no significant difference in focal positivity between Leu3a+ and Leu-2a+ T cell subpopulations was detected (63.3 +/- 10.9% and 52.3 +/- 10.0%, respectively; P greater than 0.1).     

Analysis of T lymphocytes after bone marrow transplantation using monoclonal antibodies

Using monoclonal antibodies to cell surface antigens and fluorescent cell sorter analysis, we studied peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In 13 patients studied 3 mo or more after BMT, the ratio of T-cell subsets defined by antibodies OKT4 and OKT8 was reversed (OKT4/OK%8 = 0.7 +/- 0.3) in comparison to normal volunteers or bone marrow donors (ratio OKT4/OKT8 = 1.7 +/- 0.4) (p less than 0.001). This reversed ratio persisted for up to 3 yr after BMT. In contrast to a previous report, presence of an abnormal ratio of T-cell subsets did not correlate with clinically significant graft- versus-host disease (GVHD). In agreement with a previous study, (26% +/- 8%; less than 4% in normals (p less than 0.001) and antibody OKT10 reactive cells (39% +/- 20% versus 10% +/- 4%) (p less than 0.01), suggesting in vivo activation. However, their PBL did not react with antibody B3/25 (antitransferrin receptor), a marker found on normal PBL after in vitro activation by mitogens (BMT patients less than 5%; normal PBL T cells plus PHA 45% +/- 11%). These results demonstrate that BMT patients have: (A) an abnormal ratio of T-cell subsets in the presence or absence of clinically significant GVDH disease so that these measurements were not useful in monitoring patients; (B) an increased number of T cells with cell surface phenotype (OKT8+, Ia+, OKT10+, B3/25-) that is distinct from normals but similar to patients with infectious mononucleosis or acquired hypogammaglobulinemia.     

Cytochemical analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: correlation of hydrolase expression with graft-versus-host disease

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 21 patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were monitored post-BMT for immunologic markers (E rosettes OKT3, OKT8, DR, and BT5/9, a monoclonal antibody which stains helper T cells), cytochemical markers (acid phosphatase [AP], beta-glucuronidase [BGLU], and acid alpha naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE] ), and morphology. The cytochemical T score, was obtained from typical AP, BGLU, and ANAE reactivity. The same was done for the cytochemical non-T score and macrophage (Mo) score. All patients received cyclosporine A (CyA) for graft-v-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. In univariate analysis there was no significant correlation between the proportion of E rosettes, OKT3-, OKT8-, DR-, and BT5/9-positive cells, and GvHD. The first three showed instead a positive correlation with time from transplant: E rosettes (P = .02), OKT3 (P = .01), and OKT8 (P = .003). In contrast, a significant negative correlation was found in univariate analysis, between the cytochemical T score and GvHD (P = .0001), and a positive correlation between non-T score and GvHD (P = .0008), as well as between the Mo score and GvHD (P = .03). There was no influence of time from transplant on the T (P = .8), non-T (P = .8), or Mo score (P = .4). In multivariate analysis comparing E rosettes, OKT3, T score, non-T score, GvHD, and time from BMT, the only variable associated with GvHD was the T score (P less than .05). These results suggest that T cell activation during GvHD is associated with a loss of hydrolase expression in T cells, but does not imply relevant modifications of immunologic surface markers. In addition, lysosomal enzymes appear early (before day 10) after transplantation, indicating that T cells at this stage are well differentiated.     

Characterisation of blood and synovial fluid lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases by monoclonal antibodies (OKT series) and acid α-naphthyl esterase staining

Summary Mononuclear cell preparations from peripheral blood (PBL) and synovial fluid (SFL) of 27 Patients with rheumatoid diseases (15 patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 10 with other inflammatory joint diseases (OJD), 1 with sarcoid arthritis (SA) and 1 with traumatic arthritis (TA) were examined for lymphocyte subpopulations determined by monoclonal antibodies of the OKT series and by the dot-like, acid -naphthyl esterase staining (ANAE) activity. In patients with classic, active RA, blood T cells carrying the OKT8⁺ (suppressor/killer) phenotype were significantly reduced leading to an elevated OKT4/OKT8 ratio of 4.1±0.4 compared with 2.1±0.1 in healthy controls.In 10 patients with OJD this diminution of OKT8⁺ cells in peripheral blood was less pronounced or absent. As regards SFL subpopulations, patients with RA and OJD exhibited a similar distribution pattern with an elevation of OKT8⁺, Ia⁺ and ANAE negative cells and a similar OKT4/OKT8 ratio of 1.5±0.3 and 1.6±0.4, respectively. Similar results were also obtained in the only patient with TA, whereas the patient with SA and one RA patient with relapse after surgical synovectomy exhibited high OKT4/OKT8 ratios, both in synovial fluid and peripheral blood. Neither the OKT markers nor the dot-like ANAE staining pattern were significantly correlated to parameters of systemic or local disease activity as estimated by erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a local disease activity index.     

T lymphocyte subsets of the infiltrating cells in the salivary gland and kidney of a patient with Sj?gren's syndrome associated with interstitial nephritis

Lymphocyte subsets in the salivary gland and kidney were examined in a 38 years-old female patient with Sj?gren's syndrome associated with interstitial nephritis by PAP immunoperoxidase method using monoclonal antibodies. Predominant cells of the infiltrating cells in both tissues were T lymphocytes and most of them were Ia+, OKT4+ cells (activated helper/inducer T lymphocytes). A small number of T lymphocytes were OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes). Moreover, we found the OKT8+ cells invading the salivary duct epithelial cells. There was no difference in the proportion of lymphocyte subsets of the infiltrating cells between the salivary gland and kidney. A similar pathologic mechanism of tissue damage, therefore, was suggested in both tissues.     

Proportional and functional studies of the infiltrating lymphocytes in the parotid gland of Sj?gren's syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Lymphocyte subpopulations and functions were examined in the salivary (parotid) gland lymphocytes (SGL) obtained as a cell suspension from a patient with Sj?gren's syndrome associated with rheumatoid arthritis, in comparison with peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Serial studies on the lymphocyte subsets in PBL using monoclonal antibodies to helper or suppressor T cell subsets (OKT4 or OKT8) demonstrated a decreased proportion of the OKT8 subset (OKT4/OKT8 ratio: 7.1-34.0). Major infiltrating cells in the gland were surface immunoglobulin-bearing B cells, and 23-35% of the SGL were T cells by both the E-rosetting method and OKT3-monoclonal antibody reactivity. Moreover, OKT4/OKT8 ratios were definitely lower in the SGL (1.0 and 1.7) than those in the PBL of the patient. Mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferative responses of the SGL were markedly diminished, although the possible participation of defective macrophages was considered. The autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction was low in both PBL and SGL. PBL of the patient showed normal proliferative responses to mitogens except for PWM stimulation. Suppressor effects of the SGL for the proliferative responses of autologous and allogeneic PBL were demonstrated. Con A-induced suppressor function was inducible in the SGL, whereas that function could not be demonstrated in the patient's PBL.     

Dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) activity in normal and malignant T-cell subsets as defined by monoclonal antibodies

The activity of dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) was investigated by a cytochemical method in isolated fractions of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells and malignant cells from 9 patients with chronic T-cell leukaemia. A positive DAP IV reaction was observed in 52% of normal T cells, a consistent negative reaction in normal B cells and monocytes. 2 distinct T-cell subsets, helper/inducer cells (T4+/T8-) and cytotoxic/suppressor cells (T4-/T8+), were negatively selected by complement-mediated cytolysis utilizing the monoclonal antibodies OKT4 and OKT8. On examination of these T-cell subsets a positive DAP IV reaction was restricted to the majority of normal T4+/T8- cells. The malignant cells from 3 patients with T-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, expressing the cytotoxic/suppressor phenotype (T4-/T8+) lacked DAP IV activities. In contrast, almost all leukaemic cells from 3 other cases, expressing the helper/inducer phenotype (T4+/T8-), were strongly positive. Despite their T4+/T8- phenotype, the malignant cells from 3 patients with Sézary syndrome were completely DAP IV negative. These findings suggest that the DAP IV reaction may be helpful in the further characterization of normal and malignant T-cell subsets.     

T lymphocyte subsets in inflammatory bowel disease: peripheral blood

Peripheral blood T lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subsets have been quantified in 28 patients with ulcerative colitis and 26 with Crohn's disease by an indirect immunofluorescence technique using monoclonal antibodies: OKT3, which detects all peripheral blood T lymphocytes; OKT4 (T cells of helper phenotype); and OKT8 (T cells of supressor-cytotoxic phenotype). Eighteen normal subjects and 16 patients with a variety of non-inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders were studied as controls. No significant differences were found between patient and control groups in the proportions of circulating T lymphocytes or their subsets. When compared with normal subjects, absolute numbers of T lymphocytes were reduced in patients with active ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (p less than 0.05). OKT4+ T cell numbers were reduced in ulcerative colitis, whether active (p less than 0.02) or inactive (p less than 0.05) and in active Crohn's disease (p less than 0.05) Numbers of OKT8+ T cells were reduced in active Crohn's disease (p less than 0.01). There were no differences in T lymphocyte numbers between the patient groups and the disease control subjects. The OKT4+:OKT8+ ratio in patients with inflammatory bowel disease did not differ from that in controls. No relation was found between any of the parameters studied and disease activity, site, or extent of disease, or treatment with sulphasalazine or corticosteroids. The presence of Ia-like, HLA-DR antigens on T cells was detected using a double marker immunofluorescence technique. In control subjects up to 7% of OKT3+ cells were HLA-DR+. In only three patients was the proportion of HLA-DR+ cells greater than in controls. These results indicate that the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease does not depend upon an alteration in the proportion of circulating T lymphocytes nor upon an imbalance of T lymphocyte subsets as defined by monoclonal antibodies. The reduction in T lymphocyte numbers may result from mucosal infiltration. The findings also suggest that circulating T lymphocytes are not activated.     

Peripheral blood T lymphocyte subpopulations determined by monoclonal antibodies in active rheumatoid arthritis

The introduction of an automated flow cytofluorograph has facilitated the detection of T lymphocyte subsets because it enables a larger number of cells to be analyzed. Many authors have reported a decrease of cytotoxic/suppressor T lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in contrast to the results of other workers. We believe that the discrepancy between the various studies is due to the fact that different methods and different criteria for patient selection were used. Our study comprised a larger number of patients which makes the results suitable for statistical inference. Disease activity is clearly defined and all drugs that could alter the results were excluded. The use of a flow cytometer enhances the reliability of T lymphocyte subset determination by monoclonal antibodies (OKT series). Our study confirms the reports, which suggested that the number of suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes (OKT8+ cells/mm3) is decreased in patients with active RA, resulting in a high T helper/inducer lymphocyte/T suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocyte ratio (OKT4+:OKT8+). This immune balance represents an interesting feature of the disease, since several active antirheumatic drugs share a common immunomodulatory action, which normalizes the OKT4+:OKT8+ ratio. Finally, we found a good correlation between the OKT4+ cells and OKT8+ cells in the normal control population. This observation enabled us to isolate a subgroup of active patients with RA not responding to slow acting antirheumatic drugs and characterized by a low OKT4+:OKT8+ ratio.     

Acid hydrolase activities in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia lymphocytes: correlation of cytochemical reactions with immunological phenotype

The cytochemical reactions of 5 acid hydrolases, alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), acid phosphatase (AP), beta-glucuronidase, beta-glucosaminidase and dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DAP IV) were investigated in lymphocytes from 30 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL). Based on ANAE and AP reactivities, 4 cytochemically distinctive subgroups were identified: Group 1: AP and ANAE less than 50% positive lymphocytes (5 cases); Group 2: AP greater than 50%, ANAE less than 50% positive lymphocytes (11 cases); Group 3: AP less than 50%, ANAE greater than 50% positive lymphocytes (7 cases); Group 4: AP and ANAE greater than 50% positive lymphocytes (7 cases). beta-Glucuronidase displayed similar patterns of reactivity to AP. beta-Glucosaminidase activity was observed in the majority of lymphocytes in most patients, whereas DAP IV activity was present in less than 20% of lymphoid cells. The study failed to establish any relationship between cytochemical grouping and patients' clinical status, peripheral lymphocyte counts, E or mouse rosette values, light or heavy chain cellular immunoglobulin (Ig) class. Attempts to correlate acid hydrolase and Ig heavy chain isotype expression, putative markers of B cell maturation, were unsuccessful and indicate that within the narrow spectrum of B cell differentiation seen in B-CLL these characteristics are unrelated.     

T-cell subsets in malignant lymphomas and monoclonal gammopathies

159 patients with malignant lymphomas or monoclonal gammopathies were investigated for lymphocytes and their subsets using conventional surface markers and a panel of monoclonal antibodies. In untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma, (MM) a reduction of T-cells and especially of the "helper/inducer" subset (OKT4+) was found to be a common phenomenon. The major abnormalities occurred in advanced stages of disease. Patients previously treated by chemo- and/or radiotherapy had a further decrease of T-cells, whereas the loss of OKT4+ cells was more pronounced than that of the "suppressor/cytotoxic" lymphocytes (OKT8+). The alterations of lymphocyte subsets persisted even in long-term remitters. Comparing the lymphocyte subsets in MM and benign monoclonal gammopathies (BMG), patients with BMG showed a significant reduction in OKT8+ cells, whereas the OKT4+ population was within normal range, resulting in a significant elevation of the OKT4/OKT8-ratio compared to the controls and untreated multiple myeloma.     

Comparative studies of the determination of T lymphocytes in human peripheral blood

Different methods for determination of T-lymphocytes in human peripheral blood were compared: rosetting with sheep erythrocytes (SRBC), AET-treated SRBC, immunofluorescence using a monoclonal antibody against T cells (BL-T2), complement dependent cytolysis with polyclonal antisera against thymocytes, cytochemical demonstration of unspecific acid alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase (ANAE), and electrophoretic mobility using a cell electrophoresis system (PARMOQUANT 2). Depending on the method, mean values between 70 and 79% T cells among separated mononuclear cells (MNC) were found. All paired observations were subjected to statistical analysis using rank correlation and U-test. From this analysis it is concluded that rosetting with SRBC, immunofluorescence using the monoclonal T-cell antibody and cytochemical reactivity for ANAE are favored methods for determining the T cell content of human MNC. However, the monoclonal antibody BL-T2 and the ANAE are not generally applicable because both markers were also found on malignant B-lymphocytes (B-CLL).     

Immunological studies of pulmonary infection with atypical mycobacteria. II. Depression of in vitro PPD-induced lymphocyte proliferation in patients with pulmonary atypical mycobacteriosis

To evaluate cell-mediated immune responses in patients infected with atypical mycobacteria (AM), mononuclear cells from patients were examined in vitro for purified protein derivatives (PPD) induced lymphocyte proliferation using combination of monoclonal antibodies and flowcytometry. Those from normal tuberculin-positive controls and chronic excreters with tuberculosis (chronics) were also examined. The results obtained were as follows: 1) In normal controls, PPD-S induced a significant proliferation of activated T cell subsets (Leu 4+ DR+, IL 2-R+ Leu 3+ and IL 2-R+ Leu 2+). A significant increase in pan T cells (Leu 4+), helper T cells (Leu 3+ 8-), suppressor T cells (Leu 2+ 15+) and B cells (Leu 4- DR+) was also observed. 2) In chronics, the pattern and degree of lymphocyte proliferation by PPD-S were similar to that observed in normal controls. 3) In AM, we found a significant proliferation of activated T cells (Leu 4+ DR+, IL 2-R+ Leu 3+, IL 2-R+ Leu 2+) and B cells (Leu 4- DR+) by PPD-S. However, the degree of lymphocyte proliferation in AM was clearly depressed as compared to normal controls and chronics. 4) In chronics, lymphocyte proliferation by PPD-S was significantly higher than that by PPD-B. In contrast, lymphocyte response by PPD-S was almost same as that by PPD-B in AM.     

Monoclonal antibody studies in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The cell lineage of suspensions prepared from 85 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas was investigated with a panel of 10 monoclonal antibodies and conventional surface marker techniques. Surface immunoglobulin, assessed with specific heteroantisera, proved to be the most useful characteristic and defined the clonal character and B-cell lineage of 63 specimens: almost all nodular lymphocytic (21 of 22) and diffuse lymphocytic (11 of 13) lymphomas, most diffuse histiocytic (29 of 33) and diffuse mixed (2 of 2) lymphomas, and a few nodular mixed (2 of 12) and nodular histiocytic (0 of 3) lymphomas. Monoclonal antibodies provided useful ancillary surface marker criteria. Thus, positivity with OKT1 (which detects both thymic and peripheral T cells) in the absence of reactivity with monoclonal antisera, which detect only peripheral T cells (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, and OKT11), was seen only in diffuse lymphocytic lymphoma of B lineage. Ia-like antigen could be demonstrated in all B-cell lymphocytic lymphomas and most B-cell diffuse histiocytic lymphomas. Approximately one-half of diffuse histiocytic lymphomas also reacted with OKT9, which detects the transferrin receptor, while few lymph nodes involved by other conditions displayed this reactivity. Most diffuse histiocytic lymphomas and many non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of other subtypes reacted with OKT10, an antiserum that detects an antigen on replicating lymphoid cells. The lineage of approximately one-fourth of the lymphoma suspensions was not resolved conclusively: In most of these, T lymphocytes predominated with a normal proportion of inducer-helper (OKT4) and cytotoxic-suppressor (OKT8) cells. The inability to establish the clonal character of T-cell proliferation in cell suspensions remains an obstacle to completely defining the lineage of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.     

The tissue architecture of synovial membranes in inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint diseases

Summary Tissue specimens of synovial membranes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-inflammatory joint diseases were analyzed with a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed towards T-lymphocyte subsets and natural killer (NK) cells. In the RA group, mononuclear cell infiltrations in the synovium presented a distinguished pattern as compared to the non-RA group. Inflammatory synovial membranes displayed an increased level of cells recognized by the monoclonal antibodies OKT4 and OKT8, especially attributable to the broadened layer of synoviocytes and to the fibrous synovial tissue. No significant difference in the RA patients was observed with regard to the percentage of OKT4 and OKT8 positive cells in different investigated compartments of the synovium, e.g., diffuse inflamed synovial tissue, fibrous synovial tissue, and perivascular infiltrations. OKT4 and OKT8 positive staining was additionally observed on spindle-shaped cells present in the fibrous and diffuse inflamed synovium. OKT10 binding cells were located in the deeper layers of synoviocytes, in the inflamed synovial tissue, and in one case in perivascular areas, whereas HNK1 positive cells were scattered in the fibrous synovial and perivascular cells, as well as in lymphocyte clusters of synovium in RA patients.     

Analysis with OKT monoclonal antibodies of T-lymphocyte subsets present in blood and liver of patients with chronic active hepatitis

The relative distribution of T lymphocyte subsets, as defined by the monoclonal antibodies OKT, was determined by cytofluorimetric analysis in peripheral blood and in cells isolated from liver biopsies of 31 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH). The percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes binding OKT8 (directed against cytotoxic/suppressor T cells) was found to be elevated in patients with HBsAg and HBeAg positive chronic active hepatitis. Patients with CAH who had seroconverted to anti-HBe, had an increased number of OKT3-positive cells in their blood, which was directed against a common T cell surface antigen, associated with a decreased number of OKT8 positive cells. Lymphocytes isolated from liver biopsies of patients with CAH presented a general increase of OKT8-positive cells associated with a decreased number of OKT4-positive (helper/inducer) T cells. It is likely that OKT8-positive cells found in liver biopsies represent cytotoxic T cells directed against either viral or liver cell determinants.     

Cytochemistry of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in normal and leukemic T cells

A cytochemical study of the N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NABG) activity in normal and leukemic T cells was carried out to ascertain any relationships between cytochemical reactivity and membrane phenotype. Under normal conditions, most T4-positive cells, defined on the basis of monoclonal antibodies and immunogold, were characterized by focal reactivity. In chronic T lymphoproliferative disorders, the reaction product of T4-positive cells consisted of a single coarse granule, while T8-positive cells demonstrated many scattered granules. In all cases of acute T cell malignancies, lymphoblasts were positive with a single coarse granule or many coarse and small granules located at one pole of the cell.