Quantitation of T-lymphocyte subsets in human bronchus mucosa

Cells were isolated from human bronchus mucosa, and characterized according to a surface marker for sheep erythrocytes (T cells), to the presence of membrane associated immunoglobulin (B cells), and to the capacity to phagocytose latex particles (macrophages). The T lymphocytes were further characterized according to their capacity to bind to the Fc fragment of IgG, IgM, and IgA (T gamma, T mu, and T alpha cells, respectively). Less t alpha cells were found in acutely inflamed mucosa than in mucosa obtained from patients with chronic inflammatory, or neoplastic disease (p = less than 0.001).