T-lymphocyte subsets in nephrotic syndrome.
T-lymphocyte subsets when measured in steroid responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) have demonstrated significant variance from normal values. T-cell subsets were studied by using two-color flow cytometric analysis in 32 children (9.2 +/- 5 years of age) with SRNS. The children were divided into four groups: a) SRNS in acute relapse, on prednisone; b) SRNS in acute relapse, off prednisone; c) SRNS in long-term remission, off prednisone (nephrotic controls); d) patients in remission on long-term prednisone therapy; and e) 15 age-matched normal controls. Children suffering an acute relapse of SRNS showed an increase in Leu2a+/DR+ (CD8) activated lymphocytes (P less than 0.05), a decrease in Leu4a+ total T-lymphocytes (P = 0.01) and a decrease in Leu3a+ (CD4) helper T-cells (P less than 0.05) when compared to normal controls and nephrotic controls. Though some subset changes may represent a prednisone effect and the functional role of these lymphocytes in the disease process is unknown, this study provides additional evidence to support a role for abnormal T-cell subsets in the etiology of SRNS.
Fiser
R T
RT
Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock.
Arnold
W C
WC
Charlton
R K
RK
Steele
R W
RW
Childress
S H
SH
Shirkey
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens