T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in patients with malignant head and neck tumors--analysis using the FACS

Abstract

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) on T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in 46 patients with head and neck malignant tumors were examined. These PBL were determined in Fluores-cence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS) using fluorescein-conjugated monoclonal antibodies (anti-Leu 2a, anti-Leu 3a, anti-Leu 11a). Granulocytes, which are also known to be Leu 11a positive, were preeliminated by 90-size scattering procedure.The results obtained. were as follow:1. Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio in patients with head and neck malignant tumor wass significantly reduced compared with healthy controls. (p<0.005)2. Patient in the stage differences(UICC), Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio in stage III, IV groups was also reduced compared with stage I, II groups, (P<0.05)3. Leu 3a/Leu 2a ratio in chemotheraphy patients was also reduced compared with radiation theraphy patients. (p<0.05) The ratio of about 50% chemotheraphy patients were lower than one.4. Leu 11a positive cells in patients was markedly increased than healthy controls. (p<0.005)