Abstract
Human peripheral lymphocytes can be separated into subpopulations, T, B and “null” cells, based upon receptors on their cell surface. We have analyzed malignant cells from 39 patients with various lymphoproliferative diseases, including nine patients with T-cell leukemia of adult onset type. Cells in adult T-cell leukemia were positive for cytotoxicity test with ATS and sheep red cell rosette and negative for cytotoxicity test with ABS, surface immunoglobulins and complement receptors. Mitogenic response to PHA and ATS were negative. Skin affection was present in six, and splenomegaly in five. Although Sézary cells with cerebriform nuclei appeared in none, cells with irregular or indented nuclei were frequent. Bone marrow was markedly affected by leukemic cells. Clinical course is generally chronic, but rapid terminal progression is a common feature. All but one were born in Kyushu. The geographical distribution of the cases indicates a possible high incidence of adult T-cell leukemia in the Kyushu district, especially Kagoshima Prefecture.
