Quantitative analysis of endoneurial T-cells in human sural nerve biopsies.
We used immunocytochemical methods on sural nerve biopsies from 42 patients with peripheral neuropathy to identify mononuclear cells, determine whether lymphocytic infiltration occurs in a variety of neuropathies, and identify the subtypes of lymphocytes. Immunostained cells were present in 76% of nerve biopsies. CD3+ cells (T lymphocytes) were greatest in density (cells/mm2). In patients whose CD4:CD8 T cell ratio was measured also in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, the CD4:CD8 T cell ratio was similar in all three compartments. These findings suggest that T lymphocytes are frequently present in nerves obtained from patients with various types of neuropathies and raise questions about factors that attract T lymphocytes into nerve that may be important in pathogenesis.
Cornblath
D R
DR
Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Griffin
D E
DE
Welch
D
D
Griffin
J W
JW
McArthur
J C
JC
D001706:Biopsy; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; D002452:Cell Count; D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D006416:Hematoxylin; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013127:Spinal Nerves / Q000473:pathology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
D004801:Eosine Yellowish-(YS); D006416:Hematoxylin