[The morphofunctional characteristics of the blood lymphocytes in steroid-sensitive and steroid-resistant...

Morphofunctional properties of the lymphocyte suspension of patients susceptible and resistant to glucocorticoids in nephrotic form of glomerulonephritis were studied. Ultrastructural study of lymphocytes was performed as well as immune tests (the determination of lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptors number, proliferative activity of mononuclears, HIA genotypes) in 216 children. Morphofunctional insufficiency of the patient lymphocytes as compared to that in donors was established. A higher morphologic variety, functional sufficiency of lymphocytes, a higher number of glucocorticoid receptors and a preferable HIA genotype were found in the hormone-susceptible patients. Lymphocytes of hormone-resistant patients were characterized by a high activity of RNA-synthesizing apparatus, the presence of damaged organelles, low number of glucocorticoid receptors and by the failure of proliferative response to the dexamethasone test. These differences allow the differential approach to glucocorticoid therapy.