Allo-activated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte subsets: new ultrastructural findings based on computer-assisted image analysis

Eur J Haematol. 1990 Mar;44(3):179-85. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1990.tb00373.x.

Abstract

Primary allo-stimulation induces substantial and differentiated modifications in the development of cytoplasmic organelles of peripheral T-lymphocyte subsets. The present computer-assisted image analysis provides evidence that the CD4+ subset undergoes significant increase in organelle density after stimulation, while the CD8+ subset exhibits a post-stimulation organelle development proportional to the cell size. Each immunological subset contains two distinct patterns of cytoplasmic organization, here defined as type I (containing a few cytoplasmic organelles) and type II (with well-developed synthesis and storage organelles). On the basis of these findings cytologic parameters could be ascribed to a heterogeneous proliferation of functionally distinct T-cell clones in CD4+ and CD8+ subsets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / ultrastructure
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Microscopy, Electron / methods
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II