Distribution of T-lymphocyte subsets in Hodgkin's disease characterized by monoclonal antibodies

Mononuclear-cell suspensions of lymph nodes, spleen and blood from 24 patients with active Hodgkin's disease (HD) were studied for possible imbalance of T and B lymphocytes, and T-lymphocyte subsets, using monospecific anti-T antibodies and other reagents. A profile showing T-cell predominance was demonstrated in lymph nodes and blood, with total T-cells ranging from 50-70% of the cell count. As defined by monoclonal antibodies, 70-85 of the latter comprised the "inducer" subclass, the remainder being "suppressor" cells. There were no essential differences between histologically involved and uninvolved lymph nodes from HD patients, though total T-cell proportions were lower in "normal lymph node" controls. The profiles of spleens electively removed, as part of pre-treatment staging procedures, showed reduced total T-cell numbers, whether these were involved with HD or not. These differences are accounted for principally by fewer T "inducer" cells (24%, in spleen, v. 54% in involved lymph nodes and 47% in "normal" control nodes). Possible explanations for these findings are discussed. Our results demonstrate similar profiles in histologically diseased and normal tissue, rather than any clear imbalance of T-cell proportions which might explain the profound disturbances of T-cell function frequently demonstrated in vivo and in vitro.