Analysis of lyphocyte subsets in liver biopsy specimens with the lymphoid follicle-like structure

A series of T and B cell-specific monoclonal antibodies was used to determine the location and subpopulatiolls of T and B lymphocyte in liver biopsy specimens with lymphoid follicle-like structure (from 12 cases with CAH, 2 cases with LC, 2 cases with AH and 3 cases with PBC) by means of an immunoperoxidase technique. The majority of cells in the lymphoid follicle-like structure (LFLS) were reactive with T-11 (E-rosette cell) and T-4 (helper/inducer T) antibodies. Increased percentage of the T-4 positive cells in the LFLS was statistically significant compared with that of the other portal areas excluding LFLS and that of the portal areas without LFLS. However, the percentage of T-4 staining cells in this area did not correlate with the levels of serum IgG, γ-glob., TTT and K-ICG respectively.