LYMPHOCYTE SUBPOPULATIONS IN NEONATES, YOUNG CHILDREN AND ADULTS AS DETECTED BY SIX CELL SURFACE MARKERS

Abstract

Six surface marker tests were performed on lymphocytes from normal individuals of 3 age groups: neonates, children (0-2 yr of age) and adults. The proportions of T [thymus-derived] cells binding sheep red blood cells, B [bone marrow-derived] cells carrying surface immunoglobulins [Ig] or binding mouse red blood cells, and lymphocytes bearing receptors for IgM, IgG or for complement were determined. The T cell percentage appeared to increase with age; the percentage of B cells was highest in the children''s group, as determined by both marker tests. Neonates had a much lower proportion of IgM-receptor bearing cells than older individuals. The variation in the percentages of T cells and of IgM-receptor bearing cells in the young age groups was relatively large as compared to adults. The significance of these observations was discussed; they may be of value for the proper evaluation of results obtained in diagnostical tests on neonates and young children.