[An immunohistochemical study using a double staining method for regional lymph nodes in gastric cancer]

We have performed a double immunofluorescent staining of two monoclonal antibodies, obtained from gastric cancer patients, that were directed against lymphocyte surface antigens on the regional lymph nodes. Through this method we were able to identify the lymphoid cell subset in detail. As a result of our double staining, most OKT8+ lymphocytes were also found to be Leu 15- lymphocytes and these OKT8+ Leu 15- lymphocytes were regarded as being cytotoxic effector cells or precursors. A few OKT8+ Leu 15+ lymphocytes (suppressor T lymphocytes) were obtained. More Leu 3a+ Leu 8- lymphocytes (helper T lymphocytes) were observed than Leu 3a+ Leu 8- lymphocytes (suppressor inducer T lymphocytes). To investigate whether these T lymphocytes were activated, we used an OKT 9 monoclonal antibody directed against the transferrin receptor and an OKIa1 monoclonal antibody directed against the HLA-DR framework. Such double stained lymphocytes (activated T lymphocytes) were few.