PERIPHERAL-BLOOD LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS IN IDIOPATHIC NEPHROTIC SYNDROME OF CHILDHOOD

Lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood were examined in 34 patient s with nephrotic syndrome [27 with minimal change nephrotic syndrome ( MCNS), 7 with significant lesions] and 10 normal children. The investi gations were done at the onset of disease before administering cortico steroids (n=34), during the subsequent remission (n=27), and the first relapse (n=12). The proportions of T cell subsets (CD3, CD4 and CD8) were determined by immuno-alkaline phosphatase staining; interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2 R) positive cells, natural killer (NK) cells and B cel ls were studied by indirect immunoflourescence. No significant differe nces were found in the proportion of CD3, CD4, CD8 and IL-2 R positive cells in patients with MCNS as compared to controls. An increased pro portion of NK and B cells was not specific to MCNS and was detected ev en in those with significant renal lesions. Our findings suggest that T lymphocyte subsets in MCNS are similar to those in normal children.