Identification of intrahepatic lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with fulminant hepatitis by the immunoenzymatic technique, using monoclonal antibodies
Onji, M.; Kumon, I.; Kanaoka, M.; Horiike, N.; Ohta, Y.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 34(4): 141-144
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 3311952 Document Number: 296851
Intrahepatic lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 11 patients with fulminant hepatitis (FH) (of whom 9 cases died) by the immunoenzymatic technique, using monoclonal T cell specific antibodies and other reagents. In peripheral blood, the OKT4 positive cells: OKT8 positive cells ratio in FH was higher than that in normal controls. In liver tissue, OKT8 positive cells were the predominant type of T cells, and these cells were in broad contact with the surface of the hepatocyte. Leu7 positive, OKT4/4a positive and Leu 15 positive cells were scarce and did not contact the hepatocyte. These results suggest that cytotoxic T cells may play an important role in hepatocyte necrosis in patients with FH.