Immunohistochemical characterization of T-lymphocytes subsets in Egyptian hepatic schistosomiasis.

Liver biopsies from 20 schistosomal patients in the compensated stage were studied by immunoalkaline phosphatase technique for the relative distribution of T-cell subpopulations. T-cell subsets were defined for OKT3 (+) (pan T-lymphocytes), OKT4 (+) (helper-inducer), and OKT8 (+) (suppressor-cytotoxic) cell by using mouse hybridoma monoclonal antibodies. Sections showed marked pan T-lymphocytic infiltration predominantly in the portal tract within liver lobules and in the granulomatous lesions. Marked relative increment of suppressor/cytotoxic OKT8 (+) lymphocytes over the helper/inducer OKT4 (+) were observed. Alkaline phosphatase activity showed inverse significant correlation with OKT3 (+) and OKT8 (+) % and a direct significant correlation with OKT4 (+) % lymphocytes. This may suggest that suppressor cytotoxic OKT8 lymphocytes may be responsible for the modulation of the granulomata and stabilization of the morbidity state.

Human fascioliasis: T cell subsets in liver before and after bithionol treatment.

Liver biopsies from 5 patients with established fascioliasis, before and after bithionol treatment were studied by immunoalkaline phosphatase technique for relative distribution of T cells and their subpopulations. T cell and its subsets are defined for OKT3+ (pan T), OKT4+ (helper/inducer) and OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) cells by using mouse monoclonal antibodies. Before bithionol treatment, lymphocytic infiltration in all hepatic lesions were predominantly of OKT3+ (pan T) lymphocytes. The distribution of OKT8+ cells was moderate to severe in comparison to the few OKT4+ cells presentation. After bithionol a noticeable regression of the OKT3 lymphocytic in all liver sections. The majority of the lymphocytic infiltration was of the OKT8+ cells, in comparison to the absence of the OKT4+ ones. This may indicate that suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes may have a role in the immune regulation of the disease and the mode of action of bithionol is by the accentuation of this immunoregulatory effect.