Ferritin-bearing lymphocytes in Hodgkin's disease

In view of the reported association of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and ferritin, ferritin-bearing lymphocytes were followed during 2-year period in 79 HD patients. Indirect immunofluorescent method was used to evaluate the percentage of ferritin positive cells. In 22 untreated patients a high percentage of ferritin-bearing circulating lymphocytes (mean value 37.3%) was found. In regard to the extent of the disease higher values were found in clinical stage III and IV (mean value 40.6%) as compared to the stage I and II (mean value 26.2%). Similarly, 17 patients in relapse and with disease progression had mean values 41%. These proportions of cells were significantly lower in 44 patients in complete remission with mean value of 8.7% (60 examinations). In 30 healthy controls the mean value was 1.4%. Repeatedly performed examinations of ferritin-bearing lymphocytes during the follow-up period in 17 patients showed to be an important prognostic tool. A negative correlation of ferritin-bearing lymphocytes with E-rosette-forming cells was found. Iron content in peripheral blood lymphocytes was confirmed cytochemically after pre-incubation with antiferritin antibody. The results support the presumed role of ferritin in impaired cellular immunity in HD and suggest diagnostic and prognostic value of the examination of ferritin-bearing lymphocytes in HD.