HISTAMINE-RECEPTOR LEUKOCYTES (HRL) - ORGAN AND LYMPHOID SUBPOPULATION DISTRIBUTION IN MAN

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (3) , 394-399
Abstract
The frequency of lymphoid cells with a membrane receptor for histamine was determined in various lymphoid organs in man using a histamine-rosette assay. Thymus had very low numbers of histamine-receptor cells while lymph node and peripheral blood had increasing percentages. Through a combination of cell separation techniques, it was demonstrated that about 1/3 of periperal blood B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes and macrophages carry histamine receptors. Immature B cells or null cells (E[erythrocyte]-rosette and membrane-immunoglobulin-negative) do not have this receptor. Only 10% of peripheral blood T [thymus derived] lymphocytes formed histamine rosettes. That these histamine receptor T lymphocytes are a subpopulation representing the differentiated suppressor/cytotoxic T cells is suggested by evidence showing complete removal of histamine receptor T lymphocytes on nylon wool adherence columns. The histamine receptor is expressed on differentiated B and T lymphocytes and may serve as a marker for developed suppressor/cytotoxic T cells in man.