Allo-activated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subsets: new ultrastructural findings based on computer-assisted image analysis.
Primary allo-stimulation induces substantial and differentiated modifications in the development of cytoplasmic organelles of peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets. The present computer-assisted image analysis provides evidence that the CD4+ subset undergoes significant increase in organelle density after stimulation, while the CD8+ subset exhibits a post-stimulation organelle development proportional to the cell size. Each immunological subset contains two distinct patterns of cytoplasmic organization, here defined as type I (containing a few cytoplasmic organelles) and type II (with well-developed synthesis and storage organelles). On the basis of these findings cytologic parameters could be ascribed to a heterogeneous proliferation of functionally distinct T-cell clones in CD4+ and CD8+ subsets.
Balercia
G
G
Institute of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Italy.
Sbarbati
A
A
Franceschini
F
F
Bravo-Cuellar
A
A
Osculati
A
A
Accordini
C
C
Orbach-Arbouys
S
S
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000502:physiology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II