Peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations as determined by flow cytometric measurements in healthy children.

Peripheral venous blood leukocyte subpopulations were determined in 69 healthy children and compared in two age groups: 8 to 12 years and 13 to 17 years, the period of pubescence and intensive growth of the organism. As compared to work of other authors, more leukocyte subpopulations were recognized in the examined large group of children. Whole blood monocyte and total lymphocyte absolute counts decreased with age as well as the absolute counts of T lymphocytes and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Percentage of CD4+ cells and CD4/CD8 ratio were higher in the older age group. Percentage as well as absolute counts of CD19+ CD5+ cells and CD19+ CD10+ cells are given.