Subpopulations of T-lymphocytes in IgA glomerulonephritis

Peripheral subpopulations of T-lymphocytes were studied morphologically, cytochemically and with monoclonal antibodies (Leu 1, Leu 2a, Leu 3a) in 27 IgA glomerulonephritis cases and in 15 healthy controls. The number of helper T-lymphocytes was found significantly increased particularly in the active phase of IgA glomerulonephritis, while that of suppressor lymphocytes decreased. Thus helper/suppressor ratio increased significantly. In the inactive phase this ratio was also seen to increase but not in a significant manner. Comparing different methods used it is concluded that all of them proved to be suitable for the demonstration of altered subpopulation ratios.