Normal active rosette-forming-cells in untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease

The percentage of E-rosettes and active E-rosettes was determined in untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease. All patients had numbers of peripheral blood lymphocytes within the normal range (1,200-5,000 lymphocytes/cu mm). The mean percentage of E-rosettes was significantly lower in the patients (55 +/- 15.7) as compared to normal controls (63 +/- 6.7). No difference in the percentage of active E-rosettes was found (36.6 +/- 8.6 in controls versus 40.3 +/- 10.8 in patients).