The two-color analysis of the T-lymphocyte subsets in experimental allergic neuritis in rats

We examined the T-cell subsets in the peripheral blood, spleen and lymph nodes during the course of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN) by using two-color analysis. In the acute phase, the percentages of CD4+ major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II+ cells and CD8+ MHC-II+ cells in the lymph nodes of EAN rats were significantly higher than in the control rats. In the recovery phase, the percentage of CD4+ CD45RC+ cells and CD8+ CD45RC+ cells in the lymph nodes in EAN rats were significantly higher than in the control rats. However, significant changes of the T-cell subsets were not detected in either the spleen or the peripheral blood during the course of EAN. These results suggest that CD4+ MHC-II+ cells, CD8+ MHC-II+ cells, CD4+ CD45RC+ cells and CD8+ CD45RC+ cells may play a role in the course of EAN. The relationship between these double staining cells and EAN is discussed.