Immunohistological study of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis.

Immunohistological study of 18 cases of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) demonstrated numerous helper/inducer cells (OKT-4) and suppressor/cytotoxic cells (OKT-8) with activation (Tac) and proliferation (OKT-9) markers, and histiocytes (lysozyme, alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin, OK-M1) in the affected areas. However, B cells (B-1), NK cells (Leu-7 and Leu-11), complement proteins and receptor (C4 and C3d receptor), and neutrophils (chloroacetate esterase) were scanty or absent in these foci. Activity of NK cells was also decreased in the peripheral blood of 2 cases examined. The results suggest that HNL might be induced by the abnormal T cell-histiocyte response against some causative agents which induce a similar reaction of delayed hypersensitivity type.