Detection of thymocyte proliferation in vitro and CD4, CD8, and Fas in children with myasthenia gravis

Aim: To explore the role of thymocyte abnormality on pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis(MG).Methods: The thymocytes were isolated from fresh thymic tissue of children with MG and 24~38 week feta(the control).The proliferation of thymocytes was evaluated using MTT assay.The CD4,CD8, and Fas on the surface of thymocytes were detected using flow cytometry.Results: The proliferative capability of thymocytes in children with MG was more powerful than that of the control(P0.01).The proportion of CD4+CD8+double positive thymocytes decreased and that of CD4-CD8+single positive thymocytes decreased significantly(P0.01).The proportion of CD4+Fas+ and CD8+Fas+ thymocytes decreased significantly(P0.01).Conclusion: There are thymocyte proliferation and abnormality of thymocyte membrane molecules in children with MG.