The cell surface antigen and DNA content distribution of lymph nodes with reactive hyperplasia

Few studies have comprehensively examined the expression and distribution of cell surface antigens and DNA content in non-neoplastic, reactive lymph nodes. We have performed a flow cytometric immunophenotypic and DNA content analysis of 64 lymph nodes from 62 patients (23 male; 39 female; ages 21 months to 80 years) with typical reactive lymphoid hyperplasia as assessed by histology. CD45, a pan-leukocyte marker, was detected on virtually all cells (99 +/- 4%). All pan-T-cell-associated antigens studied were expressed within a narrow range of average values (54 - 64%), and no loss of individual T-cell antigens was observed in any case. Intercase variation of fluorescence intensity for each antigen was minimal. The mean CD4:CD8 ratio was 3.9 +/- 2.6, with only one case (HIV+) showing a marked CD4:CD8 inversion (0.4). The number of cells coexpressing CD4 and CD8 was very low (3 +/- 3%), consistent with the mature phenotypic nature of the majority of T lymphocytes. B-cells, as defined by CD19 and CD20 antibodies, accounted for 36 +/- 16% and 43 +/- 18% of cells analyzed, respectively, and, like the pan-T-cell antigens, displayed minimal intercase variability in antigen expression. Cells coexpressing CD20 and CD5 were noted, although their frequency could not be calculated accurately. IgD- and IgM-bearing cells were both generally well-defined populations: 24 +/- 10% and 31 +/- 14%, respectively. On the other hand, IgG- and IgA-bearing cells displayed broad fluorescence intensity, precluding an exact calculation of their frequencies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)