Analysis of lymphocyte phenotype and T cell receptor genotype in Felty's syndrome
Meliconi, R.; Kingsley, G.H.; Pitzalis, C.; Sakkas, L.; Panayi, G.S.
Journal of Rheumatology 19(7): 1058-1064
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 1380988 Document Number: 398853
Natural killer (NK) cells and CD3+ large granular lymphocytes (LGL) were investigated in patients with Felty's syndrome (FS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls. In most patients with FS, NK cell number and activity were decreased. CD3+ LGL were unchanged. However, in one patient a marked expansion of CD3-CD16+CD56+ (NK) cells was seen and in a second, an expansion of CD3+ LGL. In FS there was also an increase in HLA-DR+ and CD8+ but not .gamma.delta.+ T cells. Three of 11 patients with FS studied demonstrated a dominant rearrangement of the T cell receptor .beta. gene constant region consistent wth oligoclonal T cell expansion.