Circulating lymphocyte subsets in second- and third-trimester fetuses: comparison with newborns and adults.
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to compare the relative sizes of circulating lymphocyte subsets in fetuses, newborns, and adults.


METHODS
Two-color flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte cell surface markers was performed on blood from 64 fetuses, 22 newborns, and 67 normal adults.


RESULTS
All three groups had similar percentages of CD3+ total T cells, CD4+ helper T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic/suppressor T cells, and CD20+ B cells. Compared with adults, fetuses and newborns had markedly reduced percentages of CD57+ natural killer T cells and consistently increased percentages of CD5+CD20+ B cells. Most fetal and cord T and B lymphocytes expressed the activation marker CD38.


CONCLUSIONS
Similarities and age-dependent differences exist among fetal, newborn, and adult circulating lymphocyte subsets. Lymphocyte marker analysis may prove useful in the detection of fetal infection and other complications of gestation.
Berry
S M
SM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.
Fine
N
N
Bichalski
J A
JA
Cotton
D B
DB
Dombrowski
M P
MP
Kaplan
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation