Immunological Properties of Lymphoblasts and Lymphocytes in Children with Acute Lymphatic or Undifferentiated Leukemia

In 35 children with acute lymphatic or undifferentiated leukemia, immunological properties of normal lymphocytes and lymphoblasts were investigated. In most cases the number of circulating normal lymphocytes with surface or B markers and delayed type hypersensitivity was depressed. On the other hand, the response to mitogenic stimulation with PHA as well as the antibody and immunoglobulin serum concentrations were found to be normal. Lymphoblasts did not exhibit surface receptors in any but four patients, who showed 10--18% of leukemic blasts being positive for E-rosette formation at 0 degree but not at 37 degrees.