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The cell surface antigen and DNA content distribution of lymph nodes with reactive hyperplasia
R L Maiese1, G H Segal, J A Iturraspe
1Department of Pathology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA.
Insights
This study analyzed cell surface antigens and DNA content in reactive lymph nodes using flow cytometry. Findings reveal consistent antigen expression in T-cells and B-cells, crucial for understanding normal lymphoid responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Limited data exists on cell surface antigen expression and DNA content in non-neoplastic, reactive lymph nodes.
- Understanding these profiles is vital for distinguishing reactive hyperplasia from neoplastic conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze the immunophenotype and DNA content of reactive lymph nodes.
- To establish reference ranges for cell surface antigen expression in normal lymphoid tissue.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry was used for immunophenotypic analysis of cell surface antigens.
- DNA content analysis was performed on 64 lymph nodes from 62 patients with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia.
- Key markers analyzed included CD45, pan-T-cell antigens, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD20, IgD, IgM, IgG, and IgA.
Main Results:
- CD45 (pan-leukocyte marker) was present on nearly all cells (99% +/- 4%).
- Pan-T-cell antigens showed narrow expression ranges (54-64%) with minimal intercase variability.
- B-cell markers (CD19, CD20) also demonstrated minimal variability, accounting for 36% and 43% of cells, respectively.
- The mean CD4:CD8 ratio was 3.9 +/- 2.6, with minimal CD4/CD8 coexpression (3% +/- 3%).
- IgD and IgM expression was well-defined, while IgG and IgA showed broad fluorescence intensity.
Conclusions:
- Reactive lymph nodes exhibit consistent expression patterns of major T-cell and B-cell surface antigens.
- Minimal intercase variability in antigen expression supports the utility of these markers for establishing normal reference ranges.
- These findings provide a baseline for immunophenotypic analysis in lymph node pathology.
Abstract:
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)
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