Influence of racial background on the distribution of T-cell subsets and Leu 11-positive lymphocytes in healthy blood donors.
As part of a study to define the factors affecting the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations in healthy blood donors, we have measured lymphocyte surface markers in various racial groups. Markers tested were T3 (all T cells), T4A (T helper cells), T8 (T suppressor cells), and Leu 11 (natural killer cells). Racial groups included three Asian groups (Chinese, Japanese, Other Orientals) and three non-Asian groups (Caucasians, Hispanics, American Blacks). The mean percentage of T3 + cells and T4A + cells were significantly lower in Asians compared with non-Asians, while T8 levels did not differ. These changes resulted in a significantly lower mean T4A:T8 ratio in Asians compared with non-Asians. The mean percentage of Leu 11 + cells was higher in Asians compared with non-Asians. Within the Asian group, Chinese had a higher mean Leu 11 + value than the other two Asian groups combined. Further, pairwise comparisons showed that Chinese had a significantly higher mean Leu 11 + value compared with each of the other five racial groups. This increased mean Leu 11 + level in the Chinese group reflected a distinct cluster of high values for about half the subjects. These findings show that racial background should be a major consideration when defining the normal range for lymphocyte subpopulations detected by surface markers.
Prince
H E
HE
Hirji
K
K
Waldbeser
L S
LS
Plaeger-Marshall
S
S
Kleinman
S
S
Lanier
L L
LL
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000145:classification; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification*; D008297:Male; D044469:Racial Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000145:classification; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000145:classification
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface