| Abstract: | One possible explanation for the defective cellular immunity in Hodgkin's disease is an abnormal distribution of T lymphocytes. To study this possibility a morphometric analysis of T- and B-areas in non involved and involved spleens of patients with Hodgkin's disease was undertaken. We found that in involved spleens a significant reduction of the T dependent area could be demonstrated. We concluded that this reduction is caused by an abnormal distribution of T lymphocytes in the spleen and may partly explain the defects in cellular immunity. In addition, the absence of overlap between the T/B area ratios of involved and non-involved spleens suggests, that a prediction on involvement of spleen can be made by morphometrical analysis of a small, random taken non-involved area. |
