[Analysis of activated cells in apical granuloma]

The ratio and in situ distribution of CD3+ T-lymphocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, CD14+ macrophages, CD56+ natural killer cells and CD25+ activated T-lymphocytes and CD68+ activated macrophages were determined in 20 chronic peripical granulomas by immunohistochemical method using monoclonal antibodies. CD3+ T-lymphocytes made up about 50% of the mononuclear cells. CD14+ macrophages were distributed all over the area but their proportion was much less that that of the T-lymphocytes. CD56+ natural killer cells made up a small proportion of the cells. The major proportion of the T-lymphocytes and macrophages were in activated stage within the lesion.