Change in the proportion of T and B lymphocytes in human malignant neoplasia in relation to the clinical stage

Abstract

Formation of spontaneous (E--erythrocyte) and immune (EAC--erythrocyte, antibody, complement) rosettes of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) with peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes, respectively, was used for quantitative assessment of these lymphocytes populations in tumor patients and control subjects. Relative counts of T and B lymphocytes have been correlated with lymphocyte survival in short-term cultures using standard subtoxic doses of phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The mean values and SE in normal control subjects for E rosettes (T lymphocytes) were 72.8 +/- 1.2%, for EAC rosettes (B lymphocytes) 23.8 +/- 2.5% of lymphocyte population. The survival of lymphocytes in short-term cultures with PHA in control subjects was 55.3 +/- 1.1%. In tumor patients the counts of E, EAC rosettes and percentage of lymphocyte survival in short-term PHA cultures were dependent upon the clinical stage. In patients with localized tumors the values were similar to controls. In patients where dissemination of the tumorous process could be ascertained a decrease of T lymphocyte counts, an increase of B lymphocyte counts and a higher survival of peripheral blood lymphocytes in short-term cultures with PHA was found.