BLOOD-B, BLOOD-T, BLOOD-CD4-CD8+ LYMPHOCYTES IN FEMALE WISTAR RATS( AND BLOOD)

We have established reference values of peripheral blood lymphocyte su bsets in healthy female Wistar rats under highly standardized conditio ns. Using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry, T lymphocytes (OX1 9+), B lymphocytes (OX6+ and anti-Ig+), T-helper/inducer (W3/25+), and T-suppressor/cytotoxic subsets (OX8+) were determined, from week 11 t o week 21 after birth. The mean percentages of T and B lymphocytes wit h respect to total lymphocytes were 78.5% and 18%, respectively; the m ean percentages of T-helper/inducer and T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells i n relation to T lymphocytes were 59% and 25%, respectively (n = 48). N o difference in total leukocyte count, differential leukocyte analysis , or lymphocyte subsets was observed during the 10 weeks the rats were studied under standard housing conditions. Therefore, the period cons idered seems the most appropriate in which to carry out experiments th at could involve lymphocyte subset disturbances.