title: In situ characterization of mononuclear cells in human dental periapical inflammatory lesions using monoclonal antibodies.
abstract: Mononuclear cells in cryostat sections of human dental periapical inflammatory lesions were studied with the aid of murine monoclonal antibodies and with indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. T lymphocytes (OKT3-positive cells) made up a major part of the cells in the infiltrates. They were found mainly in clusters, although single cells were also seen. T helper cells (OKT4) were more numerous than suppressor/cytotoxic T cells (OKT8-positive cells), with a ratio of approximately 2:1. Langerhans cells (OKT6-positive cells) were not demonstrated: only a few scattered HNK 1-positive cells, probably natural killer cells, were detected. A large number of OKM1- and OKIa 1-positive cells were detected in the infiltrates. Their size and number varied considerably in the different areas of the sections. These cells are probably macrophages. Sheets of small OKIa 1-positive cells were also demonstrated, indicating the presence of B lymphocytes or activated T lymphocytes. The results indicate that immune reactions may be of importance in the pathogenesis of periapical inflammatory lesions.
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D009000:Monocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000166:cytology*; D010484:Periapical Granuloma / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D011842:Radicular Cyst / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal