Lymphocyte subpopulations in minimal change nephrotic syndrome

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) was characterized by a relative lymphocytopenia, a normal T-cell count, and a discordance between B cells enumerated by the presence of surface immunoglobulins (Bsig) and by C3B receptors (Beac). By either technique of B-cell count, the total number of T and B lymphocytes in MCNS exceeded that of controls, suggesting the presence of “double-marked” cells or decreased null cell population. This alteration in surface receptor characteristics of lymphocytes which was observed both in relapse and in remission, documents an abnormality, in MCNS, possibly of cell-mediated immunity, which may be relevant to its pathogenesis.