Dynamics of T-lymphocyte subpopulations and T-lymphocyte function following thermal injury
Wood, G.W.; Volenec, F.J.; Mani, M.M.; Humphrey, L.J.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 31(2): 291-297
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 306326 Document Number: 124360
T rosettes in separated cell populations were also studied. Within 10 days of injury a significant depression of T cell numbers in separated cell populations occurred, which was paralleled by a decrease in T cell function. The immunosuppression that has been observed in burn patients appear to have been related to decreases in the numbers of T cells, rather than to any dysfunction at the level of the individual T cells. Although T cell numbers remained depressed, in some patients mitogen responses returned to very high levels, suggesting that a highly responsive T cell subpopulation was selected or that there was a depletion of suppressor cells. In patients that survived there was a gradual return of T lymphocyte numbers to normal levels. The decreases in the total T cell population were accompanied by a depletion of the T cells that formed active (37.degree. C stable) rosettes. The recovery of normal T cell numbers was accompanied by a disproportionate increase in active rosette-forming cells. The high numbers of active rosettes during the recruitment of new T cells suggested that this T cell subpopulation may represent the recent arrival of these cells in the peripheral blood from the precursor pools.