OKT8-positive Cells Research Articles

Localization and Morphology of Antigen-Presenting Cells in the Adenoid of Children with Otitis Media with Effusion

This study describes the localization of antigen-presenting cells (APC) in the different compartments in adenoids of children with otitis media with effusion (OME) and "healthy" children and adults. It is shown that the adenoid of children with OME contains a relatively high number of OKT6 and RFD1 positive cells. Moreover, accumulations of these cells are present in the extrafollicular areas of these adenoids. Very occasionally dendritic cells in the epithelial microenvironment contain Birbeck granules, indicating characteristic Langerhans cells. These OKT6 positive cells are not seen in the adenoids of the control group. Our results clearly show a relation between the presence of dendritic cells and the occurrence of OME. No differences are seen in localization and morphology of the APC in the studied adenoids.

Connection of atopic disease in Japanese patients with juvenile dermatomyositis based on serum IgE levels

Serum IgE levels of 22 patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS), 44 normal children, and 43 patients with adult dermatomyositis were compared. The geometric mean of serum IgE levels was significantly higher in the juvenile patients when compared with normal children (p < 0.01) and adult patients (p < 0.01). Of the 22 patients with JDMS, 11 (50%) had elevated serum IgE levels accompanied by atopic disease. Dermatomyositis was accompanied by atopic dermatitis (AD) in 9 (41%) of these 22 patients, a high prevalence when compared with reports among the general population. Following the appearance of muscular symptoms in JDMS patients with AD, the ratio of OKT4 to OKT8 cells rose due to a reduction in the percentage of OKT8-positive cells, along with further elevations in serum IgE levels and intractable cutaneous manifestations of dermatomyositis. All this may be a result of an interaction between the immuno-mechanism of this disease and that of AD. We suspect that, in general, children with impaired cell-mediated immunity, presenting with such symptoms as AD, may have a higher tendency for developing JDMS.

Meniere's Disease and Autoimmunity: Clinical Study and Survey

In order to clarify whether autoimmune mechanisms form part of the etiopathogenesis of Meniere's disease, sera and endolymphatic sac tissues from 30 patients with Meniere's disease were analyzed according to the clinical criteria for autoimmune diseases stated by Mackay & Burnet. Several cases showed hyper gamma-globulinemia, antibody elevation to Type II collagen in the serum and endolymph, positive staining to immunoglobulins and C3 or infiltration of immuno-competent cells in the endolymphatic sac, good response to prednisolone and combination with systemic immune disorders. Other examinations showed a significant elevation of OKT 4/8 ratio and a decrease of OKT8-positive cells, and elevated levels of circulating immune complex and antiviral antibody titers. It is suggested that certain cases of Meniere's disease may have an altered immunological background, which may be attributed to an autoimmune mechanism dependent on humoral and/or cellular responses.

The ELAM-1 ligand sialosyl-Le(X) is present on Langerhans cells isolated from stratified epithelium.

In this study we show the expression of the newly identified carbohydrate ligand, sialosyl-Le(X) on Langerhans cells. The receptor for sialosyl-Le(X) is the endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) present on activated endothelial cells. Using flow cytometry, Langerhans cells were selected due to positivity for an antibody against CD1a and low orthogonal light scatter. The CD1a antigen stained by the OKT6 antibody is considered a maturational marker of Langerhans cells in agreement with the specific labeling of dendritic cells in the epithelium only. Double immunostaining (OKT6/anti-sialosyl-Le(X)) using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that almost all OKT6-positive cells in normal stratified epithelium expressed sialosyl-Le(X). Conversely, by immunohistochemistry of oral epithelium with acute inflammation, additional dendritic cells negative for OKT6 were found to express sialosyl-Le(X). In addition, sialosyl-Le(X)-positive but not OKT6-positive dendritic cells were found in the submucosa. These findings indicate that the carbohydrate antigen sialosyl-Le(X) is expressed earlier than the CD1a antigen in the maturation of the Langerhans cell lineage. Future studies should aim at investigating the importance of adhesion between sialosyl Le(X) and ELAM-1 in epithelial recruitment of Langerhans cells.

The relationship between eosinophils, OKT6-positive cells and house dust mite (HDM) antigens in naturally occurring lesions of atopic dermatitis

To determine the role of eosinophils in naturally occurring lesions of atopic dermatitis, we observed the distribution of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and the relationship between eosinophils, OKT6-positive cells and house dust mite (HDM) antigens. Some specimens showed many EG2-positive stains, although the accumulation of tissue eosinophils was not prominent. EG2 stains were seen not only in eosinophils but also in extracellular granules. Some macrophage-like cells of the dermis showed EG2 stains in the form of phagocytized eosinophil granules. Some EG2-positive eosinophils were in close contact with OKT6-positive cells in the epidermis and dermis. Furthermore, in three patients sensitive to house dust mite (HDM) antigen, HDM antigens invaded the skin with many EG2-positive stains. These results suggest that eosinophils play an active role in the development of eczematous lesions of atopic dermatitis.

Ｈｉｓｔｉｏｃｙｔｉｃ ｓａｒｃｏｍａの３例

Three cases of histiocytic sarcoma were reported. Neoplastic cells in these cases posessed cytoplasm which was S100 protein and α1 antitrypsin positive but lysozyme negative, suggesting T zone histiocyte origin. Interdigitation was observed electron microscopically in case 2. However different results in immunohistochemical staining were observed among these cases. For example, LCA and OKT4 positive tumor cells were observed only in case 2 and Ki-1 positive cells in case 1 and 2. Erythrophagocytosis was observed only in tumor cells of case 3 obtained at autopsy. The patients were young (16, 48 and 19 years old respectively), and had multiple metastases involving extranodal organs.

鼻アレルギー患者の下甲介粘膜における免疫組織学的検討 主にＴリンパ球に関して

Distribution of B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes subpopulations, activated T lymphocytes and Langerhans cells of the nasal mucosa in 28 patients with nasal allergy ranging in age from 19 years to 54 years was studied. The specimens from inferior turbinates were frozen at -70 degrees C and sliced at a thickness of 4 microns by cryostat. Monoclonal antibodies and peroxidase-antiperoxidase staining (Ortho) were used to detect these cells. OKT4, OKT8, OKT6 and OKB19 were used as markers of helper/inducer T cells, suppresser/cytotoxic T cells, Langerhans cells and B cells, respectively. OKDR was used as a marker of activated T cells, B cells, Langerhans cells and macrophages. Many OKT4 and OKT8 positive cells were observed in lamina propria. In every case, more OKT4 positive cells were detected in number than OKT8 positive cells. Some OKB19 positive cells and macrophages were observed in lamina propria, but OKT6 positive cells were not observed. OKDR positive cells were observed in high density, and more OKDR positive cells were detected than OKT4, OKT8 and OKB19 positive cells. Most of the OKDR positive cells were small in size and round in shape. From these results, many T lymphocytes were thought to be activated, and T lymphocytes were thought to play an important role in nasal allergy.

リンパ節およびひ臓内Ｔ領域における樹状細胞の免疫組織化学的研究

Langerhans cells (LCs) in the epidermis and interdigitating reticulum cells (IDCs) in the lymph nodes are said to have the same morphological and immunological characteristics. In this paper, we examined LCs and IDCs in the superficial (cervical and inguinal), hilar and mesenteric lymph nodes, and also spleens, using anti S-100 protein and OKT-6 antibodies for immunostaining. Lymph nodes and spleens taken from 16 autopsies were used for the experiments. We were able to observe LCs which were positive for both anti S-100 protein and OKT-6 in the superficial and hilar lymph nodes. However, we could not find LCs in the mesenteric lymph nodes or spleens. The immunological and morphological features of LCs were similar to those of veiled cells in the marginal sinus possibly moving from the skin to the T-zone of the superficial and hilar lymph nodes. OKT-6 positive cells were not exactly identical with anti S-100 protein positive cells, because the total number of S-100 protein positive cells was greater than that of OKT-6 positive cells. The existence of a larger number of OKT-6 positive cells in the inguinal lymph nodes than in the cervical lymph nodes may be because there are more opportunities for the lower extremities to receive different kinds of stimuli than for the head. LCs may receive some stimulation from the external environment and/or retain antigens. LCs might also be responsible for T cell dependent immune responses. Our results suggest that LCs and IDCs have slightly different immunological characteristics, and therefore, they may have some different functions.

Depletion and Repopulation of Langerhans Cells in Nonsegmental Type Vitiligo

The role of Langerhans cells in the pathogenesis of nonsegmental type vitiligo is still unknown. In this study, biopsies were taken from 26 patients at various stages of nonsegmental type vitiligo and morphometrically observed to investigate the kinetics of Langerhans cells in patients at various stages of the disease. A marked depletion of OKT6-positive and ATPase-positive epidermal dendritic cells was noted in patients with active nonsegmental type vitiligo. A repopulation of both OKT6-positive and ATPase-positive epidermal dendritic cells was noted in patients with stable nonsegmental type vitiligo. Profound depletion of epidermal OKT6-positive and ATPase-positive dendritic cells was noted in patients with repigmenting nonsegmental type vitiligo receiving treatments involving topical use of 0.05% Fluocinonide cream or PUVA photochemotherapy. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the absence of epidermal dendritic cells (Langerhans cells and intermediate cells) in patients with active and repigmenting nonsegmental type vitiligo. In active nonsegmental type vitiligo, two possible explanations are proposed for the depletion of OKT6-positive and ATPase-positive epidermal dendritic cells (presumptive Langerhans cells): 1) the cells are destroyed by cytotoxic factors released during the course of destruction of melanocytes in active vitiligo, and/or 2) they leave the epidermis and migrate to regional lymph nodes to present certain antigens which are released from certain destroyed epidermal cells (keratinocytes or melanocytes) during the course of active vitiligo. The repopulated epidermal Langerhans cells may result from phenotypically transformed dermal dendritic cells in the depigmented lesions of patients with stable vitiligo. Since various therapies which result in repigmentation deplete the density of epidermal Langerhans cells markedly, it is suggested that depletion of epidermal Langerhans cells in stable vitiligo may aid in repigmentation. It is also proposed that the repopulated epidermal Langerhans cells may play a role in inhibiting the proliferation of epidermal melanocytes in depigmented lesions of stable vitiligo, thus various methods of treatment which deplete the Langerhans cells may eventually aid in the repigmentation of nonsegmental type vitiligo.

Quantitation of Lymphocyte Subsets in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood during the Clinical Course of Aseptic and Bacterial Meningitis

Mononuclear cell subsets in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood (PB) were monitored during the clinical course in 23 patients with acute meningitis using 6 monoclonal antibodies. Significant differences between aseptic and bacterial meningitis mainly consisted of a higher percentage of OKT4-positive cells in PB in the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. Significant differences between CSF and PB are found in the amount of most cell subtypes at all times except the acute phase of bacterial meningitis. The OKT4/OKT8 ratio was always significantly higher in CSF and correlated with the acuity of inflammation in bacterial meningitis.

Cimetidine-mediated Augmentation of Lymphocyte Responses to Phytohemagglutinin in Gastric Cancer Patients

The effect of cimetidine, a histamine type 2 receptor antagonist, on lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was studied in 58 gastric cancer patients. Cimetidine significantly enhanced lymphocyte responses to PHA in certain gastric cancer patients. The degree of enhancement was associated with tumor load. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the degree of enhancement and that of the original lymphocyte responses to PHA. The degree of enhancement significantly correlated with the proportions of OKT3 and OKT8 positive cells. A determination of the degree of enhancement in selected gastric cancer patients revealed it to fall to a low level after a certain period following curative gastric resection. These data appear to favor the in vivo therapeutic administration of cimetidine to advanced gastric cancer patients.

Langerhans cells in oral epithelium of chronically inflamed human gingivae

This study describes the histopathological features and the distribution of oral epithelial Langerhans cells in 19 gingival biopsies originating from an adult Tanzanian population characterized by very poor oral hygiene and severe gingival inflammation. Light-microscopically, all biopsies contained often large inflammatory connective tissue infiltrates, 6 of which predominantly contained plasma cells while the rest were dominated by lymphocytes. Seven specimens contained peculiar accumulations of round lymphoid and dendritic cells in the lower cell layers of the oral epithelium. These phenomena have not previously been demonstrated in human gingiva and deserve further attention in studies on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. Immuno-histochemical staining with OKT6, OKT4 and OKT8 antibodies showed markedly increased numbers of OKT6-positive cells in 7 specimens and clusters of OKT4- and OKT8-positive cells in the oral epithelium of 4 specimens. High numbers of OKT6-positive cells were not related to the presence of intra-epithelial, non-keratinocyte infiltrates or large connective tissue infiltrates. The variable numbers of oral epithelial Langerhans cells may therefore result from different bacterial antigens elucidating different responses or, alternatively, reflect different responses to similar plaque antigens penetrating the surface of the oral epithelium.

伝染性単核症におけるＴリンパ球の動態

Infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an initial viral infection of B lymphocytes usually followed by extensive proliferation of T cells. Functional studies have shown that these T cells are cytotoxic to EBV-infected lymphoid cells and inhibit their proliferation. They also suppress autologous T-cell proliferation.In an attempt to contribute to the understanding of the immunoregulation in infectious mononucleosis, we used monoclonal antibodies to characterize the peripheral lymphoid population in this disease.We found an increase in the total number of T cells and OKT3, OKT8 and OK-Ial positive cells in patients with acute infectious mononucleosis, and concluded that EBV infection triggers the proliferation and activation of T suppressor and/or T cytotoxic cells.

Glomerular T cell and monocyte populations in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Renal tissues from 19 patients with the minimal or slight stage of IgA nephropathy were examined for evidence of glomerular T cell or monocyte infiltration using monoclonal antibodies to identify T cells (OKT3, OKT11), T cell subsets (OKT4, OKT8), and monocytes and null cells (OKM1) by indirect immunofluorescence. Renal tissues from 12 patients at the same stage of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis without IgA deposition were also investigated by these procedures. Light microscopic examination of the same renal tissues was also performed. Reactive glomerular mononuclear cells were found to be numerous in patients with IgA nephropathy. The most prominent type of glomerular cells was OKT8 positive. T cell subsets and OKM1 positive cells in glomeruli from patients with IgA nephropathy were significantly increased as compared to those from patients with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. Focal segmental proliferation of mesangial cells was observed in glomeruli which showed an accumulation of OKT8 positive cells. It is concluded that the immuno-regulatory mechanism involving T cells and/or monocytes might be one of the exacerbating factors in patients with IgA nephropathy.

CLINICAL AND VIROLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HIGH-DOSE RECOMBINANT INTERFERON-α IN DISSEMINATED AIDS-RELATED KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

The effectiveness and antiretroviral activities of interferon-α in AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma was assessed in a non-randomised, phase-II clinical trial. 28 patients were treated with high-dose (27-36 MU) human recombinant interferon-α 2a subcutaneously every day for 8 weeks. In patients with stable disease or showing a response, treatment was continued three times weekly until a complete response was achieved or there was progression. 12 of the 26 evaluable patients achieved a major response; 5 of these showed histologically confirmed complete responses. There was a significant increase in OKT4-positive cells in the responders and a significant decrease in HIV antigen (HIV-Ag) in the 7 responders with initially detectable HIV-Ag. Interferon-α is thus an effective treatment. The increase in OKT4-positive cells and the decrease in HIV-Ag seem to be significantly related to patients with tumour responses.

Hematologic values and lymphocyte subsets in fetal blood.

Hematologic values and lymphocyte subpopulations were determined in normal fetal blood during the second trimester of gestation. In these samples the platelet, erythrocyte, and leukocyte counts were significantly lower than in adults. Large red blood cells with a high hemoglobin content were present. Before the twentieth week of gestation, erythroblasts made up about half of the nucleated elements. Lymphocytes formed most of the leukocytes, and their absolute numbers were comparable to those in adults. Most of the fetal blood lymphocytes expressed T- or B-cell surface differentiation antigens. The percentage of T-cells was lower and that of B-cells was higher than in the adult. A high OKT4/OKT8 ratio was present. It was due to a low percentage of OKT8-positive cells. Lymphocytes with a natural killer cell phenotype were rare. Most lymphocytes were OKT10 positive, but almost none reacted with the antithymocyte antibody OKT6. These results give additional information about the development of blood cells in early human life. They can be used as reference values for the prenatal diagnosis of hereditary or acquired anomalies of the hematologic and immunologic systems.

Immune responses to immediate enteral or parenteral nutrition after major abdominal surgery

The study was performed to compare the effects of immediate post-operative enteral nutrition with those of parenteral nutrition after major abdominal surgery on peripheral venous blood lymphocyte and subtype counts, in vitro lymphocyte transformation responses and capacity to produce immunoglobulins. Eleven patients were fed enterally and eleven parenterally for 3 days after operation. Both groups showed post-operative leucocytosis, a decrease in the percentages of total lymphocyte and T cell (OKT3 positive cells) counts without changes in the percentages of B cells (anti-Ig positive cells) or in the T helper/suppressor ( OKT4 OKT8 ) cell ratios. Lymphocyte transformation responses were decreased when induced by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) (T cell mitogens) and by pokeweed mitogen (PWM) (T and B cells) but not when induced by Staphylococcus aureus, strain Cowan I (StaCw) (B cells). Serum from patients of either group had no effects on the PHA, Con A or PWM induced proliferative responses of control lymphocytes. The capacity of lymphocytes to synthesise and secrete IgG was decreased in unstimulated and increased in PWM+ Con A stimulated cultures in both groups after operation. The post-operative IgM producing responses of B lymphocytes were also equally decreased in cultures stimulated by PWM alone and in the presence of hydrocortisone. No difference in any of these changes could be observed between the groups. Our results suggest that enteral and parenteral feedings immediately after major abdominal surgery have equal effects on measured variables of the immune response.

Interaction between rifabutin and human immunodeficiency virus type 1: inhibition of replication, cytopathic effect, and reverse transcriptase in vitro

Rifabutin (ansamycin; LM427), a semisynthetic rifamycin derivative, inhibits the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, the virus etiologically linked to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The inhibition of virus production was observed in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells both by reverse transcriptase assay and virus-antigen assay. In addition, rifabutin effectively reduced human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated cytopathic effect to OKT4-positive cells. Virion-associated reverse transcriptase was also markedly inhibited by rifabutin. The inhibitory dose of rifabutin was nontoxic to lymphoid cells, which further suggests that it might serve as a useful agent in the therapeutic modalities of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Effect of Acute Physical Exercise on Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Trained and Untrained Subjects

To clarify the difference in immunity between untrained subjects and well-trained athletes, the number of total leukocytes (WBC), lymphocytes, and neutrophils, percentages of various lymphocyte subpopulations (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, Leu7, OKla1), and the levels of lymphocyte transformation response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were determined in five untrained male subjects and six male athletes before, immediately after, and 24 and 72 h after acute physical exercise at 60% of VO2max for 2 h. Exercise produced a significant rise in the number of WBC, lymphocytes, and neutrophils in both groups. Immediately after exercise, the percentage of OKT3 or OKT4 positive cells had significantly decreased in both groups, whereas that of OKT8 positive cells had markedly increased only in the athletes. Neither group showed any change in the percentage of OKla1 positive cells. In both groups, the response of lymphocytes to PHA immediately after exercise was significantly lower than before, 24 h and 72 h after exercise. The level of Leu7 positive cells rose remarkably immediately after exercise in the athletes, but not significantly in the untrained subjects. These results suggest that an increase in Leu7 positive cells provides added host defense capacity in trained athletes during periods of stress which impair T-lymphocyte function.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with recombinant leukocyte interferon and cyanidanol.

Twelve male patients with chronic hepatitis B were treated by the combination of recombinant human alpha-interferon and cyanidanol. They received 3 million units of interferon twice a week and 2,250 mg of cyanidanol daily for 24 weeks. Four patients had sustained clinical improvement in which hepatitis B e antigen and DNA polymerase disappeared from sera and aminotransferase activities fell to normal levels. Elevated pretreatment aminotransferases were associated with the response to therapy. Also, decreased number of OKT4-positive cells prior to treatment were observed among responders. Side effects were minimal and all patients tolerated treatment on an outpatient basis. Twice weekly administration of recombinant leukocyte interferon with cyanidanol may be effective in treating chronic hepatitis when patients are appropriately selected.