Reference Values of Lymphocyte Sub-Populations in Healthy Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Iranian Adults

Background: Lymphocyte subsets enumeration is considered prominent in the management of primary and acquired immunodeficiency disorders. Because of local variations due to race, age, gender, and environmental conditions on lymphocyte subsets, and to improve the accuracy of interpretation of laboratory findings, reference intervals must be determined in every population. Objective: To establish a normal reference range for CD3+ , CD4+ , CD8+ , CD19+ and CD56+ lymphocytes in a healthy Iranian adult population using flowcytometry. Method: Blood samples were collected from 221 HIV seronegative individuals, including 112 females and 109 males, with ages ranging from 20 to 40 years old. The percentage of lymphocytes expressing either of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD56 surface markers were determined by flowcytometry assay. Result: Total mean percentage and absolute count of lymphocyte subsets were as follows: CD3+ : 70.90 ± 7.54%, 1800.87 ± 471.09 cells/µl; CD4+ : 41.04 ± 7.86%, 1039.99 ± 338.02 cells/µl; CD8+ : 31.11 ± 6.60%, 783.95 ± 234.87 cells/µl; CD19+ : 12.77 ± 4.56%, 328.37 ± 153.17 cells/µl; CD56+ : 15.53 ± 6.34%, 388.62 ± 176.17 cells/µl, respectively. The ratio of CD4+ /CD8+ lymphocytes for the studied population was 1.39 ± 0.48. Significant differences were observed between male and female subjects indicating that the average percentage of CD3+ cells (p=0.017) and CD4+ T cells (p=0.003) were higher in the female population, whereas the average percentage of CD19+ cells (p=0.02) tended to be higher among males. However, investigations on the CD56+ NK cell and CD8+ T cell sub-populations did not show any statistical differences between the two genders. In comparison with reports of other populations, we were confronted with different results. Conclusion: Establishing reference values of lymphocyte subsets for each population is helpful in achieving standard criteria for the prognosis of HIV infection. Therefore, normal ranges established by this survey can be used as a reference for decisions made in clinical practice.     

Lymphocyte T subsets and natural killer cells in Italian and Philippino blood donors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The characterization of lymphocyte subsets in blood donors has been utilized to determine the normal ranges that can be related to race. A study was performed in blood donors from two racial groups - Caucasian (Italians) and Asian (Philippinos) - to define respective T-lymphocyte subsets and levels of cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-two blood donors (46 Italians and 46 Philippinos) were enrolled. Blood count and immunophenotyping of lymphocytes by flow cytometry were carried out, and cytokine production was tested in six blood donors of each group. RESULTS: Philippino blood donors showed a significantly higher mean value of leucocytes (P = 0.01) and lymphocytes (P < 0.001) than Italians. The mean absolute count of lymphocyte subsets CD3- CD16+ CD56+ and CD3+ CD8+ were both significantly higher in Philippino than in Italian subjects, respectively, P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001. Philippinos showed a statistically significant higher frequency of lymphocytes producing interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) compared to Italians (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: T-lymphocyte subsets in Italian and Philippino blood donors seem to be correlated to ethnic background. The higher levels of CD3+ CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and IFN-gamma-producing cells found in Philippinos suggest leucoreduction in Asian blood donors.     

免疫性血小板减少性紫癜35例患者外周血免疫细胞亚群的检测及其临床意义

目的 探讨免疫细胞亚群的变化在免疫性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)发病机制中的作用及其临床意义.方法 应用流式细胞术检测35例ITP患者治疗前、后及20例正常对照者免疫细胞亚群各指标的变化,包括CD3+、CD4+、CD8+、CD56+、CD19+淋巴细胞及CD4+/CD8+比值.结果 ITP患者CD3+ T淋巴细胞百分比(61.58±6.45)%、CD4+ T淋巴细胞百分比(28.38±4.89)%、CD4+/CD8+比值(0.99±0.22)较对照组[(67.85±4.68)%、(38.00±3.37)%、1.54±0.13]均减低(P值均＜0.05),治疗后3项指标[(69.41±5.03)%、(38.17±3.18)%、1.60±0.15]均升高至正常水平;CD8+ T淋巴细胞百分比(29.20±4.50)%及CD19+ B淋巴细胞百分比(17.74±4.14)%较对照组[(24.82±2.93)%、(12.09±3.51)%]升高(P值均＜0.05),治疗后2项指标[(24.06±3.02)%、(10.90±3.55)%]均降至正常水平;ITP患者CD56+细胞百分比治疗前(15.80±2.85)%、治疗后(15.16±2.77)%与对照组(16.36±2.75)%差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 免疫细胞亚群紊乱参与了ITP的发病,对其检测可作为ITP的辅助诊断,在指导治疗方面可能有一定的意义.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the clinical significance of immunocyte subsets before and after immunosuppressive therapy in the peripheral blood of patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).MethodsThe percentages of immunocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of 35 patients with ITP and 20 healthy controls were detected by flow cytometry,including CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD56+,CD19+ lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+.Results The percentages of CD3+ T lymphocyte (61.58 ± 6.45 ) %,CD4+ T lymphocyte (28.38 ±4.89)% and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ 0.99 0.22 in patients with ITP were lower than those in healthy controls[( 67.85 ± 4.68 ) %,( 38.00 ± 3.37 ) %,1.54 ± 0.13,all P ＜ 0.05].After immunosuppressive therapy,the percentages of CD3+ T lymphocyte ( 69.41 ± 5.03 ) %,CD4+ T lymphocyte (38.17 ±3.18)% and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ 1.60 ±0.15 recovered to control levels.The percentages of CD8+ T lymphocyte (29.20 ±4.50)% and CD19+B lymphocyte ( 17.74 ±4.14)% were higher than those in healthy controls[( 24.82 ± 2.93 ) % and ( 12.09 ± 3.51 ) %,all P ＜ 0.05].After the immunosuppressive therapy,the percentages of CD8+ T lymphocyte ( 24.06 ± 3.02 ) % and CD19+ B lymphocyte ( 10.90 ± 3.55 ) %recovered to control levels.There were no significant difference of the percentage of CD56+ lymphocyte among ITP patients ( 15.80 ± 2.85 )%,ITP patients after immunosuppressive therapy ( 15.16 ± 2.77 )% and healthy controls ( 16.36 ± 2.75 ) %.ConclusionThe aberrant immunocyte subsets are involved in the pathogenesis of ITP,and detection of immunocyte subsets might be helpful for the diagnosis and determination of therapeutic outcome of ITP.     

A low blood lymphocyte count is associated with an expansion of activated cytotoxic lymphocytes in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Abstract: In order to determine the relationships between CD2+ lymphocyte subpopulations and tumour mass, the immunophenotype of natural killer (NK) cells and T lymphocyte subsets was studied in 56 B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) patients and 38 healthy subjects. The patients were classified according to their blood lymphocyte count (BLC). Forty patients had BLC<30×10⁹/l (low BLC, less tumour mass) and 16 patients had BLC>30×10⁹/l (high BLC, larger tumour mass). The percentage of CD3^– CD56+ cells, as well as of CD8+, CD8+CD45RO+ and CD3+CD57+ T subsets in low BLC patients, were higher than those found in high BLC patients. Conversely, the percentages of CD3+HLA DR+, CD4+ and CD4+CD45RO+ lymphocytes were higher in high BLC patients than in low BLC patients. The CD4/CD8 ratio was decreased in low BLC patients while it was increased in high BLC patients and a significant positive correlation was found between their CD4/CD8 ratio and their BLC. We conclude that in low BLC B-CLL patients there is a decreased percentage of activated helper lymphocytes and an increased percentage of NK cells and activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These results suggest a role for NK cells, and helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the control of tumour burden in B-CLL patients.     

手术联合抗结核和抗病毒治疗颈部淋巴结结核并发艾滋病患者(附12例临床效果分析)

搜集2012年4月至2018年6月于苏州大学附属传染病医院经保守治疗无效,行外科手术治疗的12例(能耐受手术)颈部淋巴结结核(CTL)并发艾滋病患者的临床资料。男10例,女2例;年龄19~62岁,平均(38.0±11.3)岁。均在规范的抗结核、抗病毒药物治疗的同时辅以手术治疗,对比分析术前与术后3个月CD4 ⁺ T淋巴细胞水平、CD4 ⁺ T淋巴细胞/CD8 ⁺ T淋巴细胞比值、血红细胞沉降率(ESR)等。术后3个月CD4 ⁺ T淋巴细胞为(267.07±77.89)个/μl,术前为(156.80±84.83)个/μl,CD4 ⁺/CD8 ⁺ T淋巴细胞比值为0.68±0.53,术前为0.47±0.32,差异均有统计学意义(t=28.30,P=0.019;t=20.37,P=0.033)。术后ESR为(15.88±11.08)mm/1h,术前为(52.32±17.12)mm/1h,差异有统计学意义(t=12.92,P=0.025)。12例患者均获得随访,11例患者手术切口均一期愈合、CTL症状消失;1例切口延期愈合,经过2个月局部换药愈合;3例CTL复发再行二次手术,术后切口愈合良好;1例在治疗过程中死亡,死亡原因为艾滋病晚期且并发肺孢子虫肺炎。可见,规范的抗结核、抗病毒药物控制,联合适当时机合理精准的手术干预对CTL并发艾滋病患者治疗疗效较好。     

Bronchoalveolar lavage cell data in amiodarone-associated pneumonitis. Evaluation in 22 patients.

To assess the value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for diagnosis, understanding, and treatment of amiodarone-associated pneumonitis, we examined the results of BAL total and differential cell counts and phenotyping of lymphocytes in 22 patients with this lung disorder and in 33 normal subjects. Overall, the total cell count was found to be almost the same as that seen in control subjects; the macrophage population was significantly reduced, and the lymphocyte, neutrophil, and eosinophil populations were increased in absolute number and percentage. When results were analyzed individually, BAL data appeared to be distributed according to two patterns. In the first pattern, there was no abnormal lymphocytosis. In the second pattern a lymphocyte alveolitis was found in percentage and in absolute number. This lymphocyte alveolitis was present either alone or associated with neutrophil alveolitis or with eosinophil alveolitis. In the first pattern, despite the normal level of the lymphocyte population, the percentage of CD4 T-lymphocytes and the CD4:CD8 T-lymphocyte ratio were significantly lowered. In the second pattern the CD8 T-lymphocyte count was increased in absolute number and percentage, with a low CD4:CD8 ratio. In six patients relavaged two to four months after amiodarone withdrawal, there was a significant fall in alveolar lymphocytosis, but the progressive increase in the neutrophil population over time seemed to be associated with the seriousness and progression of the disease. Finally, these findings closely resembled those obtained in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to inhalation of organic dust and suggest that an underlying immunologic cell-mediated mechanism may play a role in this iatrogenic pulmonary disease.     

Analysis and enumeration of T cells, B cells and NK cells using the monoclonal antibody fluorescence capability of a routine haematology analyser (Cell-Dyn CD4000)

This communication details a method for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of blood T-, B- and NK-cell populations using the Abbott Cell-Dyn CD4000 haematology analyser. A series of 66 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-anticoagulated samples with lymphocyte counts between 0.2 and 33.3 x 10(9)/l were selected and analysed with CD3, CD19, Ia and CD56 monoclonal reagents. The flow cytometry reference method utilized a lymphocyte gate defined by optical scatter, with phenotypic analyses referencing to this gate and the absolute lymphocyte count. The CD4000 method analysed all leucocyte events, set primary gates for specific immunophenotypic fractions, and then determined population counts by reference to the white blood cell (WBC) count. Comparisons of CD3+ T-cell and CD19+ B-cell numbers showed high coefficients of correlation (R(2) > 0.95) and agreement (y = 1.01x) between the CD4000 and flow cytometry reference methods. Lower coefficients of correlation were obtained for CD3-CD56+ (R(2) = 0.52) and CD3+CD56+ (R(2) = 0.83) components. No major discrepancies were observed, and the CD4000 procedures additionally provided qualitative insights into the possibility of T-cell activation. The potential to undertake immediate analysis of EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples to determine the nature of abnormal lymphocyte morphology or numbers represents a considerable advance in the capability of haematology laboratories.     

Long-term immune recovery after CD34+ immunoselected and unselected peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: a case-control study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: CD34+ stem cell selection induces extensive T-cell depletion as a consequence of ex vivo manipulation. The impact of T-cell depletion on long-term immunologic recovery after autologous CD34+ peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (CD34+ PBPCT) is not well characterized. We compared the long term immunologic recovery in two groups of patients submitted to CD34+ PBPCT or unselected autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (uPBPCT). DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight patients in both groups were closely matched for diagnosis, age, disease status at transplantation and conditioning regimen and lymphocyte phenotype was prospectively evaluated during long-term post-transplantation follow-up. RESULTS: At a median of 18 months after transplantation, CD3+ lymphocyte subset remained below the normal range in both groups. CD19+ B lymphocytes subset after CD34+ PBPCT was within the normal range in both groups. CD4+ lymphocytes were depressed while the CD8+ lymphocyte subset was increased in group A and in the normal range in group B. As a result, inversion of CD4/CD8 ratio was documented in both groups. T-activated lymphocytes (CD3DR+) and natural killer (CD16/56+) cells were increased in both groups. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Long-term immune recovery appears to be unaffected by extensive ex vivo manipulation in this adult population when compared to recovery after unmanipulated PBPCT. CD34+ selection, although causes an extensive depletion of T lymphocytes in the graft does not represent a risk factor for delayed CD4+ recovery late after transplantation. Elevated numbers of NK cells and activated T-cells, which have antineoplastic activity, are maintained late after autologous CD34+ transplantation.     

228例AIDS患者高效抗反转录病毒治疗效果分析

目的了解南宁国家免费高效抗反转录病毒治疗（highly active antiretroviral therapy,HAART）对AIDS患者的疗效。方法228例AIDS患者应用HAART3～18个月后,进行病毒载量（viral load,VL）和CD4^＋T淋巴细胞计数的检测及分析。结果调查临床及实验室检查资料较完整的病例共228例。100例在应用HAART6-18个月时进行VL检测,治疗6、12、18个月时与治疗前比较,VvL明显下降,下降发生在6个月以前,6个月以后VL比较稳定。151例在HAART3-18个月时进行了CD4^＋T淋巴细胞计数检测,治疗3、6、12、18个月时CD4＋T淋巴细胞绝对值明显增加,分别为195、228、255、277／μl;CD4^＋T淋巴细胞累计增值随时间变化呈上升趋势,分别为115、148、175、197／μl。结论HAART对AIDS患者有确切疗效。VL下降主要发生在6个月以前,6个月以后VL比较稳定;CD4^＋T淋巴细胞绝对值随时间变化呈逐渐上升趋势。     

Exercise-induced CD8 lymphocytosis: a phenomenon associated with large granular lymphocyte leukaemia

This report describes a patient with a large granular lymphocyte leukaemia (CD8 + lymphoproliferative disease) and severe neutropenia (less than 0.5 x 10(9)/l) in whom exercise resulted in a marked lymphocytosis, a phenomenon which has not previously been recorded. The lymphocyte count at rest was within normal limits (2.2 x 10(9)/l), then fell to the resting level within 15 min of cessation of exercise. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed the morphology of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) by light and electron microscopy both at rest (30%) and to a much greater extent during exercise (70%). Immunophenotyping of these lymphocytes during exercise demonstrated that the predominant cell was CD3+, CD8+, CD57+ (Leu7)/CD4-, CD16-, CD25-. In the resting state, despite a total lymphocyte count within the normal range, surface marker studies indicated an excess of cells with the CD8+/CD57 + T cell phenotype (26%; cf. normal range less than or equal to 10%). Functional assays revealed a minimal increase in natural killer (NK) activity during exercise. T cell receptor beta chain gene rearrangement was demonstrable in the peripheral blood at rest and during exercise. Although severe neutropenia was present, the growth of normal colony forming units, granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) was not inhibited by patient lymphocytes and no anti-neutrophil antibodies were demonstrated. Finally, hyposplenism has developed and the relationship of this to the LGL leukaemia is discussed. In summary, the findings demonstrated large granular lymphocyte leukaemia as the primary disorder for which the primary manifestation, apart from the neutropenia, was a marked exercise-induced lymphocytosis.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞及其表型与病情的关系

目的 探讨CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞与慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者病情变化和转归的关系.方法 CHB患者53例,HBV携带者17例,19名健康体检者为对照组.研究对象均抽取外周血2～3ml,采用流式细胞技术测定CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞,并进一步分析CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞表面CD4,CD8、T细胞抗原受体(TCR)V α 24,TCR α/β以及TCR γ/δ的表达.结果CHB组CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞为7.4%±4.6%,慢性HBV携带者组为4.5%±3.5%,对照组为4.4%±3.7%,CHB组CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞明显升高.3组人群CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞TCR V α 24的表达,差异无统计学意义.慢性HBV携带者组CD3 CD56+细胞表达的TCR V α 24为2.8%±1.4%,明显高于对照组1.7%±1.0%.CHB组CD3+CD56+细胞CD8和TCRα/β的表达分别为61.9%±16.8%和68.1%±16.9%,对照组为49.2%±15.6%和56.4%±17.9%,CHB组均明显高于对照组.CHB组和HBV携带者组TCR γ/δ的表达,分别为29.6%±15.4%和30.5%±14.8%,CHB组和HBV携带者明显低于对照组41.4%±19.4%.CHB重度患者CD3+CD56 1细胞CD8和TCR α/β的表达分别为69.0%±14.0%和76.1%±12.9%,CHB中度患者CD8的表达为66.4%±14.9%,均明显高于CHB轻度患者51.4%±16.2%和62.1%±14.6%. 结论 慢性乙型肝炎的活动可能与CD3+CD56+淋巴细胞的CD8高表达有关.     

Early activation of peripheral lymphocytes in human acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: The CD69 antigen is an indicator of early lymphocyte activation. GOALS: To evaluate the early activation of peripheral lymphocytes T, B, and NK in patients with acute pancreatitis in comparison with patients with acute abdomen of nonpancreatic origin. STUDY: Thirty patients with acute pancreatitis were studied; 20 of them had the mild form of the disease and 10 had the severe form. Thirty patients with nonpancreatic acute abdomen were used as controls. All patients were enrolled within 48 hours of the onset of pain. In all patients, leukocytes and total lymphocyte and lymphocyte subset counts (CD4+, CD8+, CD56+, CD19+, CD4+CD69+, CD8+CD69+, CD56+CD69+, CD19+CD69+) were determined upon hospital admission. RESULTS: The percentage of total lymphocytes was significantly lower in acute pancreatitis patients than in those with nonpancreatic acute abdomen (P = 0.014); patients with severe pancreatitis had a percentage of total lymphocytes significantly lower when compared with patients with mild pancreatitis (P < 0.001). The CD19+CD69+ count was significantly lower in patients with severe pancreatitis (24.6 +/- 14.6%) than in patients with mild pancreatitis (46.7 +/- 16.5%; = 0.006). The counts of the other lymphocyte subsets were not statistically different between patients with acute pancreatitis and those with nonpancreatic acute abdomen, as well as between patients with mild and severe acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe pancreatitis show impaired early activation of peripheral CD19+ cells.     

HIV／AIDS患者血浆病毒载量及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的变化

目的：观察国内HIV／AIDS患者血浆病毒载量和外周血CD4^ 、CD8^ T淋巴细胞的变化，探讨这些变化的临床意义。方法：选择未经抗病毒治疗的HIV／AIDS患者124例，用bDNA法检测血浆病毒载量，并用流式细胞仪检测外周血CD4^ 、CD8^ T淋巴细胞。结果：AIDS患者的血浆病毒载量明显高于HIV感染者，血浆病毒载量与CD4^ 细胞计数呈显著负相关，但其最高峰位于CD4^ 细胞计数100／μl处，然后随着CD4^ 细胞计数的下降而减少。CD4^ T细胞计数为AIDS组＜HIV组＜正常对照组：HIV感染者的CD8^ T细胞计数显著高于正常组和AIDS组，而AIDS患者CD8^ T细胞数则随着CD4^ T细胞减少而下降。结论：血浆病毒载量随着疾病进展而显著升高，但在疾病晚期则有所降低。外周血CD4^ T细胞计数随着疾病的进展而进行性减少；CD8^ T细胞计数在感染早期显著升高，进入晚期则减少。在评价HIV感染者和AIDS患者病情时，应结合病毒载量、CD4^ 、CD8^ T细胞计数综合分析。     

艾滋病恐惧症46例临床分析

目的 总结艾滋病恐惧症患者临床特征,初步提出艾滋病恐惧症的临床诊断依据.方法 收集艾滋病恐惧症患者临床资料,分析研究对象的一般人口学、临床表现及实验室检测结果.结果 艾滋病恐惧症患者临床特点包括:(1)可存在或不存在感染HIV的高危行为;(2)反复要求进行实验窒相关检查验证,怀疑或坚信感染HIV,影响正常工作与生活;(3)临床主诉繁多,主诉症状多以头痛、咽痛等流感样症状(15例)及肌肉震颤、皮肤蚁走感、关节疼痛(12例)、乏力(12例)、发热(但测量体温正常,12例)为主,体检除舌苔发白厚腻外未见明显阳性体征;(4)症状大多出现在高危行为后的0～3个月,期间重复HIV抗体检测呈阴性;(5)23例患者进行了T淋巴细胞哑群的检测,其中19例(82.6%)CD4+T淋巴细胞计数大于50个/μl,其余4例患者在300～500个/μl,最低者307个/μl,个别有CD4+/CD8+T淋巴细胞比例倒置情况,但CD8+T淋巴细胞均无异常激活表现.结论 艾滋病恐惧症是一种复杂的躯体心理疾病,其诊断与治疗还需进一步探讨.

Abstract：

objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of AIDS phobia patients and establish the preliminary clinical diagnostic criteria.Methods The clinical information of 46 AIDS phobia patients was collected and summarized.General demographic data,clinical manifestations and laboratory results were analyzed.Results The clinical characteristics of AIDS phobia patients include:(1)With or without high-risk behavior of HIV-1 infection;(2)Patients repeatedly demanded HIV/AIDS related laboratory tests,suspected or believed in HIV-1 infection with daily life affected;(3)The main complaints were non-specific including influenza-like symptoms(headache,sore throat and so on),fasciculation,formication,arthrodynia,fatigue and complaint of fever with normal body temperature;physical examination did not reveal any positive physical sign except white coated tongue;(4)Symptoms mainly appeared 0-3 months after the high-risk behavior while HIV-1 antibody kept negative;(5)T lymphocyte subsets test was carried out in 23 patients and showed 19(82.6%)with CD4+ T lymphocyte count>500/μl,the remaining 4 were 300-500/μl,with the lowest count of 307/μl.Few patients had inversed CD4+/CD8+ ratio but without excessive CD8+T lymphocyte activation.Conclusion AIDS phobia is a complicated physical and mental disease,whose diagnosis and treatment still need further investigation.     

Characterization of lymphocyte subsets in rhesus macaques during the first year of life

Establishing reliable phenotypic data sets from the analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes of normal animals is required to assess disease states. The rhesus macaque animal model is well established with respect to adult animals, but limited data are available that characterizes lymphocyte subsets in normal neonates. To address this, we used four-color flow cytometric analysis to follow phenotypic changes in 29 normal rhesus animals through their first ten months of life. From birth to 44 wk of age, the white cell count and absolute lymphocyte count were both elevated compared to adults. CD4+ cells constituted over 80% of all T cells at birth, a percentage that declined gradually over the first 12 wk of life, coincidental with increases in the percentages of CD8+ T cells, CD3-8+ natural killer cells and CD20+ B cells. This difference in relative frequency of CD4 and CD8 results in a significant skewing of CD4:CD8 ratio from 0.7:1 in adults to 3.5:1 in neonates. In addition, the predominant population of T lymphocytes consisted of CD45RA+CD62L+ naive cells. This subset continues to be the predominant phenotype for at least the first year of age. After birth the expression of activation markers (CD25) increased particularly on CD4+ T cells, although these levels generally reached a frequency similar to that observed in adults between 12 and 20 weeks after birth. These results are similar to those seen in humans and further confirm the reliability of the rhesus macaque animal model to study human diseases.     

中国乙型肝炎患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群频率参考值范围

目的 调查中国乙型肝炎患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群频率参考值范围.方法 利用流式细胞术检测2846例乙型肝炎患者和117例健康人群外周血淋巴细胞亚群数值,调查我国健康人群和乙型肝炎人群的参考值范围.结果 调查了16～60岁健康人群和HBV感染相关的急性肝炎、慢性肝炎、重型肝炎和肝硬化人群外周血CD3+T淋巴细胞、CD3+CD...     

Persistent lymphocytosis of natural killer cells in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) patients after splenectomy

We report three patients with primary autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) who developed an absolute lymphocytosis (lymphocyte count > 5×10⁹/I) after splenectomy and with a lymphocyte count between 5.4 and 8.9×10⁹/I. An immunophenotype study showed that the peripheral blood lymphocytosis was a persistent NK cell expansion (CD2⁺, CD56⁺, CD3^-), and was characterized by a typical large granular lymphocytes (LGL) morphology. Two of these three ATP patients were refractory to splenectomy.     

How does neonatal thymectomy affect the immune system?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of neonatal thymectomy on the immune system in later life. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immune system tests were performed in 26 children at 1 year of age. Thirteen of them had been operated for transposition of the great arteries and had thymectomy in the same operation in the neonatal period. Thirteen control subjects were normal. Immune system tests including white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, T and B cells subgroups (CD2, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16, CD20, CD22, CD56), mitotic reaction to phytohaemagglutinin in lymphocyte culture. White blood cell count and lymphocyte count were performed. In the statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon rank sum W tests were used for both groups. Statistical significance was taken at a value of P < 0.05. There was no significant difference in mean white blood cell count, mean blastic transformation reaction of lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin, and CD7, CD4/CD8, CD20, CD22, CD56 ratios between the two groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences in mean lymphocyte number, and CD2, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD16 ratios between the two groups were defined (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was noticed that mainly T lymphocyte subgroups were effected by neonatal thymectomy. Although no infection requiring therapy was seen in the thymectomized patients, we advise to limit total thymectomy as much as possible in neonatal heart operations.     

特发性血小板减少性紫癜患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群和血小板相关抗体变化及临床意义

用流式细胞术直接免疫法检测l72例早期特发性血小板减少性紫癜(ITP)患者外周血淋巴细胞亚群(CD3、CD4、CD8、CD19、C16、CD56)，ELISA法检测血小板表面血小板相关抗体(PAIgG、PAIgA、PAIgM)。结果显示，ITP组与正常对照组比较CD3、CD4／CD8显著降低(P＜0.01)，CD8增高(P＜0．05)，CD19增高极为显著(P＜0．01)；ITP血小板表面PAIgG、PAIgA、PAIgM显著高于对照组；CD19升高和CD4/CD8下降与PAIgG、PAIgA、PAIgM增高有显著的相关性。认为淋巴细胞亚群功能和比例失常、T细胞免疫调节机制紊乱在ITP的发病机制中起非常重要的作用。     

Immunosuppression in patients with severe acute pancreatitis

Background In severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), immunologic impairment in the early phase may be linked to subsequent infectious complications. In this study, immunologic alterations in patients with SAP were analyzed, and immunologic parameters related to infectious complications were clarified. Methods A total of 101 patients with SAP were analyzed retrospectively. Various immunologic parameters on admission were analyzed and compared between the infection group and noninfection group during SAP. Furthermore, chronologic change in the lymphocyte count was investigated, and its utility for predicting infection was compared with conventional scoring systems. Results Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), serum IgM, lymphokine-activated killer cell activity, and natural killer cell activity were low, and the incidence of abnormally low values was 50.0%, 65.0%, 45.5%, and 42.4%, respectively. Serum complement factor 3 was significantly negatively correlated with the APACHE II score. The lymphocyte count was decreased below the normal range, and was significantly negatively correlated with the APACHE II score. CD4-, CD8-, and CD20-positive lymphocyte counts were below the normal range, and CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in the infection group. The lymphocyte count on day 14 after admission was significantly lower in the infection group and was more useful for predicting infection than conventional scoring systems. Conclusions Immunosuppression occurs from the early phase in SAP, and quantitative impairment of lymphocytes, mainly T lymphocytes, may be closely related to infectious complications during SAP. CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocyte counts on admission and the lymphocyte count on day 14 after admission may be useful for predicting infection.