DUAL B-MARKER AND T-MARKER IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

Abstract

Leukemic cells from 20 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 60 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) were studied for T[thymus-derived] and B[bone marrow-derived]-lymphocyte cell surface membrane markers. B cell markers included surface membrane immunoglobulin, erythrocyte-antibody complement rosette formation and B cell (Ia[immune response-associated antigen]-like or HLA-DR) antigens detected by a B cell antiserum. T cell markers included spontaneous sheep red blood cell rosette formation and a cytotoxic reaction to a specific T cell antiserum. Seven patients with CLL and 2 with ALL had dual B and T markers. Dual B and T cell markers are probably more common in CLL and ALL patients than previously reported. With newer and more sensitive tests for identification of B and T cells, this observation may be recognized more frequently.