Lymphocyte subpopulations in sarcoidosis

Clin Exp Immunol. 1974 Jun;17(2):219-26.

Abstract

Highly purified blood lymphocytes from sarcoidosis patients were characterized by rosette technique for the presence of receptors for complement and by indirect immunofluorescence for the presence of membrane-bound immunoglobulin (B cells). T cells were estimated by spontaneous rosette formation with sheep red blood cells. The proportion of B cells was significantly higher and the proportion of T cells significantly lower than in the control group. Marked lymphocytopenia was found in the patient group. As a consequence the total number of circulating B cells was normal whereas the total number of circulating T cells was significantly depressed. Large atypical mononuclear cells were found in most patients. One-third of these cells had receptors for human complement.

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Erythrocytes
  • Humans
  • Immune Adherence Reaction
  • Immunity, Cellular*
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Lymphopenia
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / analysis
  • Sarcoidosis / blood
  • Sarcoidosis / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell