title: T cell lymphopenia in Nigerians with hepatocellular carcinoma.
abstract: Lymphocyte sub-populations were studied in 26 Nigerian patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PLCC) and in 12 normal controls. The 3H-thymidine incorporation of lymphocytes from patients and controls was also studied on phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. Total mean lymphocyte and B-cell lymphocyte counts were not different between patients and controls. The mean T cell percentages and absolute counts were significantly lower in patients than in controls. There was a significant elevation of null cell numbers and percentage in PLCC patients. Lymphocytes from patients and controls gave similar response on PHA stimulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Onyemelukwe
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Oyeyinka
authors.forename: I I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Onyewotu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry*