Distribution of B, T, and O Lymphocytes in Blood and Tissues of Normal Humans Reflecting a Kinetic Model

Abstract

The occurrence of the lymphocyte subpopulations TE cells [erythrocyte receptor-bearing thymus-derived cells], BFc cells [Fc receptor bearing bone marrow-derived cells], BC3 cells [3rd complement component bearing B cells], BFc+C3 cells, BIg cells [immunoglobulin receptor-bearing B cells] and O- [markerless] cells, percentage and absolute, was studied in lymphocyte suspensions from tonsils, abdominal lymph nodes, spleens, bone-marrow aspirates and in venous blood. The absolute lymphocyte content (number of lymphocytes/g tissue) was highest in the abdominal lymph nodes, lower in the spleens and tonsils, and lowest in the blood. TE lymphocytes were found in the significantly highest percentage, 60%, in the blood. B lymphocytes, comprising BFc+C3 plus BIg, were present in the highest percentage in the bone marrow: 74%. Tonsils, spleens and abdominal lymph nodes contained fewer B lymphocytes, and the blood the fewest (39%). A significant correlation was found only between the absolute numbers of T and B lymphocytes. A relationship between the absolute number of T lymphocytes and the total number of B lymphocytes as well as fractions thereof was demonstrated in the various tissues and in the blood and between the blood and the tissue. O- lymphocytes were found in bone marrow, lymph nodes and spleens, apparently as markerless precursors of other subpopulations. In the lymphocytokinetic system the T lymphocytes probably play a guiding role as an afferent vector, triggering the B fractions which constitute the efferent vector of the system.