LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF T LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN NON-SPECIFIC INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract

Local distribution of T lymphocyte subsets in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease was examined in tissue section using monoclonal antibodies.
In ulcerative colitis, OKT3⁺ cells (p<0.01) and OKT4⁺ cells (p<0.01) were increased in the involved colonic wall. In Crohn's disease, OKT8⁺ cells were increased (p<0.01) and OKT4 to OKT8 ratio was decreased (p<0.01) in the involved area.
The significant difference of local predominant T lymphocyte subsets suggests the etiological distinction between both diseases.