BAL from two different lung segments indicated by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with sarcoidosis. II. The role of T gamma delta lymphocytes (T gamma delta)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of lymphocytes T gd in sarcoidosis by estimation of T gd cells in double BAL (2 x 120 ml) from two different lung segments: with the most (s.A) and with the least (s.B.) extensive involvement evaluated by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and in peripheral blood. Examined group consisted of 28 sarcoid patients with homogeneous, regular distribution of nodular opacities in conventional chest X-ray (14 F, 14 M aged 19-54). Twelve patients showed homogeneous distribution of HRCT changes (RD) in lung parenchyma and 16 showed nonhomogeneous distribution of HRCT changes (ND) with domination of pathological changes in upper lobes. Eleven healthy volunteers served as controls. Lymphocytes T gd were estimated by flow-cytometry. In peripheral blood of patients with sarcoidosis the mean value of T gd lymphocytes (4.75%) did not differ from control group (5.3%). In all patients the mean values of T gd percentage in BAL from s.A (1.7 + 1.0%) and in BAL from s.B (2.1 + 1.5%) were significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the mean value in peripheral blood (4.75 + 2.4%) and were significantly lower than mean value of T gd cells in BAL from s.B bis (4.2 + 2.7%). Among subgroups ND and RD we did find any significant differences between values of T gd in BAL form s.A and s.B. Our results suggest minimal role of T gd lymphocytes in sarcoid pathogenesis.