ISSN:
1432-0584
Keywords:
T-lymphocytes
;
Nonspecific esterase
;
Lymphocyte redistribution
;
Epinephrine
;
Hydrocortisone
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Nonspecific esterase staining has proved to be a simple cytomorphologic method for the identification of blood T-lymphocytes (preferentially TM subpopulation), especially suited for clinical application in states with suspected dysregulatory or proliferative disorders of the lymphocyte system. Our study establishes the normal range of esterase-defined human T-lymphocytes in circulating blood (700–2300/mm3, n=50) and supports the clinical usefulness of this method by performing sequential studies in normal volunteers (n=13) during states of transient lymphocyte redistribution induced by hydrocortisone and epinephrine, respectively. Confirming earlier results obtained by using other lymphocyte subset markers, we show that T as well as non-T-lymphocytes are transiently cleared from circulation after hydrocortisone administration but that the T-cell lymphocytopenia is more pronounced (maximal decrease of 77% vs. 63%; p〈0.05). Following epinephrine administration, the observed temporary lymphocytosis is based on a marked increase in esterase-negative lymphocytes (mean increment of 189%) with no significant change in esterase-positive lymphocytes. Our findings demonstrate a diverse functional behavior of esterase-defined human lymphocyte subpopulations and, as the results are in agreement with similar studies which had used immunologically defined subpopulations, they represent a further although indirect indication that esterase-positive lymphocytes correspond to TM-cells. This easy method at hand, sizing of lymphocyte subpopulations following hydrocortisone and epinephrine administration may aid in the pathogenetic understanding of certain diseases with suspected lymphocyte maldistribution or dysregulation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00319905
