Relationship Between Different Subpopulations of Circulating CD4+ T-lymphocytes and Microvascular Structural Alterations in Humans

Background: Different components of the immune system, including innate and adaptive immunity (T-effector lymphocytes and T-regulatory lymphocytes-TREGs) may be involved in the development of hypertension. In addition, it was demonstrated in animal models that TREGs may prevent angiotensin II-induced hypertension and vascular injury/inflammation. However, no data are presently available in humans about possible relationships between T-lymphocyte subtypes and microvascular structural alterations.

Methods: For this purpose, in the present study, we enrolled 24 normotensive subjects and 12 hypertensive patients undergoing an elective surgical intervention. No sign of local or systemic inflammation was present. All patients underwent a biopsy of subcutaneous fat during surgery. Subcutaneous small resistance arteries were dissected and mounted on a wire myograph and the media to lumen ratio (M/L) was calculated. In addition, retinal arteriolar structure was evaluated noninvasively by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. Capillary density in the nailfold, dorsum of the finger, and forearm were evaluated by videomicroscopy. A peripheral blood sample was obtained before surgery for assessment of T-lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry.

Results: Significant negative correlations were observed between indices of microvascular structure (M/L of subcutaneous small arteries and wall to lumen ratio of retinal arterioles) and circulating TREG lymphocytes. A direct correlation was observed between M/L of subcutaneous small arteries and circulating Th17 lymphocytes. In addition, total capillary density was correlated with a TREG effector memory subpopulation.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that some lymphocyte subpopulations may be related to microvascular remodeling, confirming previous animal data, and opening therapeutic possibilities.