Morphometric characterization of NK cell subset expressing the Leu-11 antigen in comparison to Leu-7 positive, 11 negative cells

Three subpopulations of human natural killer (NK) cells were identified by immunoelectron microscopy, using combinations of anti-Leu-7 and anti-Leu-11 monoclonal antibodies. For each subpopulation the nuclear area/cellular area ratio (An/Ac) and the perimeter/equivalent circumference ratio were evaluated employing an interactive image analyzer. Leu-11+ cells showed a larger area, a smaller An/Ac and a higher "villousity degree" in comparison to Leu-7+, 11- cells. These differences were proved to be significant using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov two sample test. Previous studies described the existence of distinct cytotoxic capability, recombinant interleukin 2-mediated activation, and ultrastructural features of Leu-11+ in comparison to Leu-7+, 11- cells. This is the first report in which morphometric differences within NK cell subsets are exactly determined.