Objectives: This paper studies the phenotypical characteristics of the lymphocytes present in mononuclear cell (MNC) preparations from peripheral blood (PBMNC), lymph nodes (LNMNC), tumor bladder (TBMNC), and tumor-free bladder (TFBMNC) from patients with infiltrated transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder and PBMNC of healthy controls. Methods:Eight patients diagnosed with TCC of the bladder, according to UICC criteria,and 10 healthy controls were studied. For immunofluorescence staining, T lymphocytes were incubated with combinations of fluorescein (FITC, green)-and phycoerytrin (PE, red)-labelled monoclonal antibodies. Results: The percentage of NK cells in the LNMNC and TFBMNC was significantly decreased in comparison to that found in the PBMNC from these patients (p < 0.05). A significant enhancement of the expression of class II molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by CD3+ T lymphocytes from TBMNC and TFBMNC specimens from bladder walls was found with respect to those quantified in CD3+ T lymphocytes from PBMNC (p < 0.05). In addition, the percentage of CD3+CD25+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher in PBMNC in TCC patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions:Our data clearly demonstrate that the presence of infiltrative TCC of the bladder is associated to an infiltration of in vivo activated T lymphocytes of the urinary bladder wall. This in vivo T lymphocyte activation has been considered an expression of the immune response against the tumor cells.

Keywords:
Bladder neoplasm, T lymphocytes, NK cells
This content is only available via PDF.
1997
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.