Abstract
Functions of tumor cells from 5 cases of T cell malignancies (CLL: 3, malignant lymphoma: 1, malignant lymphoma with leukemic change: 1) were studied, in vitro with their conjunction to surface markers and clinical features.
In 3 out of 5 cases, tumor cell exerted either suppressor or helper function on MLR or Ig production of PWM stimulated lymphocyte.
In the patient (N. K) with CLL whose peripheral T cell suppressed 2 way MLR, PPD skin reaction was negative. Production of immunoglobulin by PWM stimulated normal lymphocyte, however, was not suppressed by the addition of his tumor cells to the culture, suggesting MLR and Ig production are independent immunological responce. By cytotoxic test, this tumor cell was proved to have surface markers characteristic to peripheral T lymphocyte (T2).
In another patient (K. I.) with CLL, whose serum IgG was slightly increased (2194mg/dl), IgG production by normal lymphocytes in vitro was enhanced by addition of tumor cells. It may well be therefore, considered that the tumor cells were derived from helper cell origin. Although helper cell has been considered to be Tr negative, most of the tumor cells of this patient were Tr (EA rosett) and T2 positive.
The third case of functioning T cell malignancy (patient F. N.) was malignant lymphoma (diffuse, medium-sized cell type). Tumor cells prepared from lymphonodes clearly suppressed both MLR and Ig production in vitro. Clinical feature reflexed well the above bindings, namely PPD skin reaction was negative and serum IgG concentration was extremely low (450mg/dl). This tumor cell was also Tr and T2 positive.
