Flow Cytometric Analysis of Lymphocyte Subsets in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Peripheral Blood of Healthy Volunteers

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Abstract
The lymphocyte subsets in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the peripheral blood of 25 healthy volunteers were examined by analysis with a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. Comparison of the lymphocyte subsets in the BALF with those of the peripheral blood revealed much higher values for the ratios of each Leu. 3A+ (CD4). Leu. 3+ 8− and Leu 2+ 15− cells, while the ratios of Leu 1+ (CD5). Leu 2a+ (CD8). Leu 7+. Leu 8+. Leu 10+. Leu 11a+ (CD16), Leu 12+ and Leu 2+ 15+ cells were low in the BALF. The above results indicate that the lymphocyte subsets in the BALF from healthy individuals are mainly composed of cells with surface phenotypes of helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells with virtual absence of cells carrying suppressor T and NK cell phenotypes. and with low B cell ratio. Therefore, it is assumed that the local immune mechanism of the lung is different from that of the peripheral blood.