Membrane markers, karyotypic abnormalities, ultrastructure and functional properties of lymphocytes in a case of 'D-cell' chronic lymphatic leukemia.
D cells are lymphocytes bearing both receptors for the third complement component and the ability to form spontaneous rosettes with SRBC. We report the case of a patient with a D-cell chronic lymphatic leukemia who presented a long evolution without treatment and whose leukemic cell characteristics have been extensively studied. Cytogenetic analysis showed numerous karyotypic abnormalities among leukemic cells; all metaphases were hypodiploid and arranged in four different clones; seven marker chromosomes were present. The cells were found to bear human T-cell specific antigen, the T helper/inducer phenotype, HLA-A and HLA-B determinants, but no HLA-DR antigens. They displayed a high proliferative response to PHA and Con A, no response to PWM stimulation, and possibly the capacity of allogeneic stimulation in the mixed lymphocyte culture system. Assays for cell-mediated cytotoxicity in the CML system, and for K and NK activities were negative.
D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D011951:Receptors, Complement / Q000032:analysis; D012397:Rosette Formation
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D011951:Receptors, Complement