title: Comparative study of the morphological changes in lymphocytes of elderly individuals and centenarians.
abstract: The number of white blood cells, the morphological changes of the peripheral lymphocytes and some immunological variables were examined in 118 centenarians and in 499 healthy subjects of 60-89 years of age. There was no change in the absolute number of leucocytes, lymphocytes, or T or B cells with age. The occurrence of a myelin-like structure in the mitochondria and the presence of lipofuscin in the cytoplasm of lymphocytes increased with age and showed a correlation with the absolute number of T cells. A correlation could be observed between the absolute number of B cells, serum IgG level and the presence of antinuclear factor.
authors.affiliation: Gerontology Center, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Beregi
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Regius
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rajczy
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008062:Lipofuscin / Q000378:metabolism; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure*
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008062:Lipofuscin