N-methyl-N-nitrosourea alters thymocyte subset distribution and targets immature CD4-8+ cells for lymphoma development.

Abstract

The majority of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced lymphomas in AKR/J mice express a CD4-8+ phenotype. The CD4-8+ subset in normal thymus contains functionally mature medullary cells and immature cycling cells. This study demonstrates that MNU-induced lymphomas correspond to the immature CD4-8+ subset. In addition, specific changes in the distribution of thymocyte subsets defined by CD4 and CD8 expression were observed after MNU treatment. Cortical thinning and selective depletion of immature CD4-8+ and CD4+8+ subsets occur immediately after treatment. In contrast, immature CD4-8- progenitors and mature medullary CD4+8- and CD4-8+ subsets are relatively resistant to cytotoxicity. Normal thymic architecture and subset distribution are restored within 2 weeks after which selective expansion of the immature CD4-8+ subset occurs. The data suggest that MNU induces neoplastic conversion in progenitor cells corresponding to the CD4-8- or immature CD4-8+ stages of thymocyte maturation.

• Authors: S L Stettner, S A Rummel, C J Conti, E R Richie
• Journal: Cancer research (Cancer Res) Vol. 51 Issue 2 Pg. 737-40 (Jan 15 1991) ISSN: 0008-5472 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1898715 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
• CD4 Antigens
• CD8 Antigens
• Methylnitrosourea

Topics

• Animals
• Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte (analysis)
• CD4 Antigens (analysis)
• CD8 Antigens
• Lymphoma (chemically induced, immunology)
• Methylnitrosourea (toxicity)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred AKR
• T-Lymphocyte Subsets (drug effects, immunology)
• Thymus Gland (drug effects, immunology, pathology)
• Thymus Neoplasms (chemically induced, immunology, pathology)