Distribution of T-cell phenotypic subsets and surface immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes in lymph nodes from male homosexuals with persistent generalized adenopathy: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.
Lymph nodes from homosexual men with persistent generalized adenopathy were evaluated for distribution of T-cell phenotypic subsets and surface immunoglobulin(SIg)-bearing lymphocytes. Electron microscopy revealed tubulovesicular structures within lymphocytes but no multivesicular rosettes. Eight to 33 per cent of the lymphocytes within germinal centers were suppressor T cells, compared with germinal centers from control lymph nodes, in which these cells were rare (P = 0.002). Significantly greater percentage of suppressor/cytotoxic T lymphocytes were also present in the paracortex and follicular mantles of lymph nodes from the homosexual group (P = 0.002 and 0.007, respectively). Percentages of helper T lymphocytes were significantly decreased in germinal centers (P = 0.008) and paracortical regions (P = 0.002). Florid follicular hyperplasia with aberrations in follicular architecture was the most common histologic pattern, but one node with diffuse hyperplasia and subtotal effacement of architecture revealed depletion of SIg-bearing lymphocytes and increased numbers of suppressor T cells. Reversed helper-to-suppressor T-cell ratios in lymph nodes from homosexuals with generalized adenopathy may be related to viral infection and contribute to immune deficiency in this group.
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000276:immunology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell