Distribution of lymphocyte subsets in a case of angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia

A series of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies was used to determine the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in frozen tissue sections of a case of angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (ALNH), intermediate type. Primary follicles and mantle zones of secondary follicles consisted of BA1+OKIa1+-C3RTo5+sIgM+sIgD+ lymphocytes. Poorly developed follicular centers reacted with OKIa1, C3RTo5, DRC-1 and anti-IgM but contained no OKT4+Leu-3a+ or Leu-7+ cells. Mantle zones and primary follicles contained more OKT4+Leu-3a+ and less OKT8+ cells than normally observed. The interfollicular area consisted mainly of OKT4+Leu-3a+OKIa1- helper/inducer T-cells, admixed with some OKT8+ suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells and OKIa1+ interdigitating reticulum cells. Polyclonal plasma cells were found both in follicular centers and interfollicular areas. Based on the analogy to the peripheral lymphoid tissue in nude mice and in children with variable thymic dysfunction, it is suggested that the abnormal distribution of immunoregulatory T-cells may be of pathogenetic significance and may account for the morphology of the lymphoid follicles in ALNH.