study of circulating T and B lymphocytes in chronic active hepatitis

ABSTRACT

The number of circulating lymphocytes as well as B and T lymphocytes was estimated in the blood of 35 patients biopsy-verified chronic active hepatitis [CAH]. The number of total lymphocytes and rosette-forming cells [T lymphocytes] was decreased significantly [P < 0.01 and 0.001, respectively] in the patients' group. The number of IgG-IgA-and IgM-bearing-lymphocytes [B lymphocytes] did not change significantly, while the number of null cells were increased significantly [P < 0.02] in patients versus the control group. It was concluded that the immunological changes observed in the present study in the form of increased number of B lymphocytes, decreased number of T lymphocytes may be an operative mechanism for genesis of CAH through an antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity mechanism [Type VI hypersensitivity reaction]. Moreover, the increased number of null cells may indicate the presence of killer cells [K cells] with active cytotoxicity directed against hepatocytes leading to hepatocellular necrosis and hepatitis