Lymphocyte receptors for concanavalin A in Hodgkin disease
AC Aisenberg, S Weitzman and B Wilkes
The number of lymphocytes with mobile receptors for concanavalin A (Con A)
on their surface membrane (forming visible caps after the addition of
fluorescein-conjugated Con A) was determined in the peripheral blood of 53
patients with Hodgkin disease. Of 29 individuals studied prior to
treatment, the level of capped cells was found to be below the normal range
in 9 of 13 in stages I and IIA, 6 of 8 in stage IIIA, and all 8 in stages
IIIB and IV. Even among patients in remission 2 yr after successful
treatment the level was below the lower normal limit in 9 of 16. The number
was also reduced in 7 of 8 individuals with recurrent lymphoma. The level
of lymphocytes that cap with Con A may prove to be a more sensitive measure
of active Hodgkin disease than the total peripheral lymphocyte count or the
level of T cells. This lymphocyte parameter merits further study as a
correlate in vitro of cellular immunity.
Volume 51,
Issue 3,
pp. 439-443,
03/01/1978
Copyright © 1978 by The American Society of Hematology
